The Benefits of Aluminet Shade Cloth

ALUMINET provides for more diffused light in the plant canopy. With black shade cloth, the net will absorb rays of light coming from low angles. Because ALUMINET is reflective, it will allow much of this low angle, (diffused) light to pass through the net into the canopy. In permanent installations, this can allow for more light into the canopy during the low light periods in early morning or late afternoon. While the benefits of diffused light have been minimally documented, personal testimonies suggestions many benefits including:

1)Higher yield, especially in tall canopy crops. With direct light, the upper leaves get excess light and the lower leaves are in shade. With diffused light, the light is spread more evenly throughout the canopy. In a greenhouse tomato study in Israel, a 6-7% increase in tomato yield (11,574 kg vs. 10,866 kg for one manufacturer and 9972 kg vs. 9094 kg for a second manufacturer) was seen for films with diffusive agents (comparisons include the same films with and without the diffusive additives).

2)More diffused light will minimize shadows within the greenhouse, giving more constant light throughout the greenhouse.

3)Diffuse light gives more light into the lower canopy, which may stimulate branching