Nursery Shade Nets in Kenya

Nursery Shade nets in Kenya by Aqua Hub Kenya are the best tree nurseries and seedling sun protection materials. Our shade nets offer protection to your seedlings, young fruits, and mature seedlings from harsh sunlight.

Why Seedlings and Nurseries require Shading

Young seedlings are not strong enough to resist extreme heat which causes excessive water loss through evaporation. During dry or sunny periods, the soil surface is dry, and less growth is imminent. Seedlings cannot get water for growth due to weak, shallow, and underdeveloped roots.
Frequent irrigation of seedlings and tree nurseries is not enough because the sun’s rays’ effect in evaporation is high.

Moreover, the leaves of seedlings are soft and wilt easily when exposed to sunlight.
Harsh cold and high humid conditions lower the growth of seedlings as well. With suitable shade net percentage levels, frost and heavy rainfall cannot affect crops.
Insects, poultry, and birds are also problematic for seedling beds, fruits, and tree seeds. Therefore, shade nets offer protection against environmental harsh conditions and destructive animals and people as well.

Nursery Shade Net Percentages

We have different nursery shade net percentages. The percentage of a shade net refers to the rate at which a net filters sun light intensity.
Our net percentages are 35, 55 %, 75 % and 90 %. The nets are black or green string knitted fabrics with UV resistant ability.

How to Install Shade Nets on Nursery Beds

Normally, application of shade nets to nursery beds and general agricultural crops requires a strong built structure. The structure is often known as a shade house. It comprises of wooden or metallic structure covered with a shade net and has a wide range of agricultural uses.
Materials required to Construct a Nursery Shade House includes:

Galvanized metal profiles
Wooden frames and poles
Screws or nails.
Shade net material
Cement, sand, and gravel.

The steps to build and install a shade house are:

Choosing a suitable area for constructing a nursery shade house.
Preparing the area by leveling the ground and clearing vegetation.
Measuring the area to obtain a suitable measurement. A suitable measurement is the common measurement that is built to enhance stability. Aqua Hub Kenya normally constructs 8 x 15 m, 8 x 24 m, 16 by 24 m, and 16 x 30 m.
Digging the area and making nursery beds. Often measuring 1.5 m by 2 m. Leave a space of 1 m apart.
Dig holes 30 cm deep, for wooden or metallic poles. They are spaced 1 M apart.
Install or place galvanized metal poles or wooden posts on the holes and firmly attach using cement.
Attach the galvanized steel bars together or wooden poles to the vertical posts using nails.
Fit the shade net using wires or fastening nails.

Benefits of Nursery Shade Netting in Kenya

Full germination and development of seedlings – Seedlings grow to full potential till transplant. This is because of less exposure to the sun’s radiation.
Faster growth and maturity of nursery seedlings – Seedlings receive optimum temperature and moisture thus enhancing growth.
Lower evaporation and water loss occurs – Due to regulated sunlight penetration, water loss is low.
Convenient weed control and prevention – The lower rates of sunlight levels discourage the growth of weeds.
Reduction in use of Pesticides and chemicals – The frequent use of pesticides to prevent insects and diseases reduces. Lower pest availability reduces reliance on chemicals.
Maintenance of fertility of the soil – Soil fertility improves since less heat and leaching can occur. Humus survival is 100 % assured.
Improved soil texture and nutrients – the less exposure to sunlight prevents drying and hardening of soil.
Lower water requirements – Protection of plants using shade nets leads to lower water requirements in crops as less water is lost.