Agricultural Netting
Agriculture is a fundamental sector in the economy of the province of Almeria, intensive agriculture is the reference and engine of the economy. This greenhouse production technique requires specific tools and resources to maximise its efficiency. When building a greenhouse, the mallas agrícolas in all their diversity are an essential element to guarantee the protection and correct development of crops, which is why having a specialist in agrotextile solutions such as Criado y López, with more than 30 years of experience, is a guarantee.
In order to ensure good crop quality, the farmer must take into account that it is essential to pay attention to the ventilation of the greenhouse and the use of appropriate agricultural netting from the beginning of the construction phase.
Ventilation is vital for the health of the plants inside the greenhouse, as it helps to control temperature and humidity. Accumulation of warm, humid air can increase the incidence of diseases and pests, as well as decrease crop yields. Therefore, it is important to have adequate ventilation systems in the greenhouse structure, opening side or zenithal windows to allow the natural wind to renew the air. In general, passive ventilation is widely used due to its lower cost.
Adequate air renewal in a greenhouse is recommended to be 40 times per hour, for which it is suggested to have at least 25% of the greenhouse covered with netting to achieve this rate. However, the choice of the right netting depends on the specific needs of the greenhouse and the crop.. Ventilation can be improved with a mesh density of 6×9 or 10×16 threads per square centimetre, which are commonly used in the Almeria field. On the other hand, tighter meshes reduce ventilation but improve efficacy against pests such as whitefly and thrips.
At Criado y López they have developed a series of intermediate meshes with higher thread density and greater effectiveness against pests, such as the 12×21 mesh with very good ventilation and 50-60% effectiveness against insects, or the 13×31 mesh which is 100% effective against whiteflies. These nets are 10-15% more expensive, but provide very positive results in terms of optimal greenhouse ventilation and pest control.
In addition, using different mesh densities in different directions of the greenhouse depending on the prevailing wind direction and the strongest influence of insects can be a good technique to improve ventilation.
Another benefit of agricultural netting is that they can help to improve the energy efficiency of the greenhouse. By reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain an adequate temperature, agricultural netting can contribute to the reduction of energy consumption and associated costs.
In summary, ventilation and agricultural netting are essential elements in greenhouse construction. Both are necessary to ensure a healthy environment for crops, improve energy efficiency and protect them from external elements. Therefore, it is important to consider these tools when building a greenhouse and ensure that they are used properly to maximise crop quality and yield.
The recommendation for farmers is that if they have any doubts, they can obtain more information by contacting the commercial department of Criado y López or requesting information through their warehouse or cooperative.
Criado & López is a benchmark in the sector thanks to its ability to adapt to customers' needs and offer tailor-made solutions. The company has offices in Spain, Mexico, Morocco and Peru, and serves customers in more than 20 countries around the world. In addition, it remains at the forefront of the sector, constantly searching for products that help farmers reduce costs and produce food more efficiently and ecologically.
