Understanding Shade Nets
Shade nets are woven fabrics made from materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, or a combination of materials. They are designed with varying degrees of shade density, which determines the amount of sunlight they filter out. Shade density is typically measured as a percentage, with lower percentages allowing more light to pass through.
Benefits of Shade Nets
Sun Protection: The primary purpose of shade nets is to provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. By reducing the amount of direct sunlight that reaches plants, people, or objects underneath, they help prevent sunburn, skin damage, and heat stress.
Temperature Control: Shade nets help maintain cooler temperatures in covered areas. This is especially important in agriculture, where controlled temperature environments can enhance plant growth and reduce heat stress in livestock.
Types of Shade Nets
Symnet Agro Solutions supplies Shade nets in Kenya with various shade density percentages, and each percentage serves specific functions depending on the application. Here are some common shade net percentages and their primary functions:
1. 30% Shade Net:
• Function: Allows 30% of sunlight to penetrate through the net.
• Applications:
• Nurseries: Provides partial shade for young plants and seedlings, protecting them from intense sunlight without blocking too much light.
• Outdoor Seating Areas: Offers a mild reduction in sunlight for outdoor seating, making it comfortable for people while still allowing some sun exposure.
2. 50% Shade Net:
• Function: Filters out 50% of sunlight.
• Applications:
• Greenhouses: Maintains a moderate amount of shade and light diffusion, suitable for a wide range of greenhouse crops.
• Crop Protection: Protects various crops from sunburn and excessive heat while still allowing sufficient light for growth.
3. 70% Shade Net:
• Function: Blocks 70% of sunlight.
• Applications:
• Orchards: Ideal for orchards and vineyards, providing shade to fruits and vines without impeding photosynthesis too much.
• Livestock Housing: Helps keep animals cooler and provides shade without darkening the area excessively.
4. 90% Shade Net:
• Function: Allows only 10% of sunlight to pass through.
• Applications:
• Shading Sensitive Plants: Used for delicate plants that require minimal sunlight, such as ferns, certain mosses, or some tropical orchids.
• Animal Enclosures: Used in zoos or aviaries to create a shaded environment for animals that prefer low-light conditions.