Maintenance of agricultural nets and tips to prolong their lifespan

The use of agricultural nets is a fundamental element in protected agriculture. They act as a physical barrier against insect pests, protect against harsh weather conditions, provide shade to crops, reduce wind speed and water consumption, among other benefits. This allows for sustainable and environmentally friendly production, meeting the increasing demand from consumers for chemical-free food.

Here are some tips for caring for agricultural nets to prolong their lifespan

What should you consider when choosing and installing agricultural nets?

Ensure that the nets are of good quality, made of high-density virgin polyethylene and stabilized against UV radiation. Check that the fabric is homogeneous, and the thread tension is appropriate.
Polyethylene is a thermodeformable material, so it should not be exposed to direct heat sources and contact with solvents and oxidants that could alter its mechanical properties should be avoided.
Keep the nets protected until installation and place them on a flat surface to prevent deformation.

What should you keep in mind during the installation of agricultural nets?

It is crucial to do the installation correctly. You can always seek assistance from greenhouse construction professionals.
Use fastening systems that don’t damage the nets, such as omega profiles or special accessories for the installation of agricultural nets.
Avoid cutting or puncturing the nets, and do not place them on sharp edges that could cause damage. Prevent friction of the material against surfaces such as wires or strings.
Avoid contact between the agricultural nets and treated wood, oxidized surfaces, or galvanized materials. Special pieces can be used for this purpose.
The tension should not be excessive during installation. Consider the possible shrinkage of the nets over time (which can lead to tearing), but it should be sufficient to prevent material breakage caused by movement.
Avoid installing the nets during hours or periods of excessive heat to prevent material contraction.
Place the weft direction (direction with fewer threads) of the anti-insect nets vertically in the openings of the greenhouses or windows. This direction provides greater resistance against tearing, reducing the risk of mechanical damage.

These are some recommendations for proper maintenance of agricultural nets and to ensure their protective function is not compromised:

Minimize the exposure of the nets to pesticides as much as possible, as they can damage them.
Regularly check the condition of the nets, especially after rainfall and strong winds, to ensure there are no tears or damage, both in windows and zenith openings where birds can cause harm. This will ensure they maintain their protective function.
You can repair tears with patches made of the same type of net and seal the edges with silicone.
Clean the nets periodically to remove excess dust, as it can reduce greenhouse ventilation. You can use a machine with gentle air pressure to avoid separating the net threads.

^{Sources: https://www.miteco.gob.es/ministerio/pags/biblioteca/revistas/pdf_agri/agri_2006_890_864_870.pdf Estudio del comportamiento frente al desgarro de las mallas anti-insectos utilizadas en invernaderos. A. Lopez, A J. Alvarez, D L. Valera y F. D. Molina. Dpto ingeniería Rural. Universidad de Almería. Mallas anti-insectos: efecto sobre el microclima de los invernaderos, dinámica poblacional de insectos perjudiciales y producción de cultivos Valera D.L., Molina-Aiz F.D., López A., Espinoza K., Marín P., Moreno, M.A.Centro de Investigación Ciaimbital, Universidad de Almería – Interempresas}