The use of netting for agricultural applications has increased significantly in the past few years. This is not only due to the protection nets offer against increasing incidents of hail, but also because of the ample benefits to packout rates.
Research conducted by Citrus Research International (CRI) shows that nets bring benefits like increased yields, a faster time to maturity, reduced production costs and better risk management.
Paul Cronjé, a researcher at CRI, highlights the greater importance of gaining these benefits: "The rapid expansion of citrus plantings across South Africa will have a definite and significant impact on the South African citrus industry. Whether markets will absorb the increased fruit supply and what the subsequent repercussions on the current profit margins in the next five to 10 years will be is unclear and somewhat unsettling. "Another more worrying problem is the issue of climate change and its effects on citrus production, as current projections identify South Africa [...] will be significantly affected.
"During the past few years, high temperature extremes have increased, while low temperature extremes have decreased significantly.
"Some of the warmest monthly temperatures have recently been recorded, and even higher temperatures and more frequent warmer days are predicted," he said.
COSMETIC DAMAGE
As a result, Cronjé predicts small fruit-size problems will increase, as well as orchard water usage, and fruit cosmetic damage due to wind, hail and sunburn. Long-term strategic planning and embracing the latest research findings and subsequent novel on-farm technologies will be the main determinate of producer wealth and competitiveness of the industry. This is where shade-netting can play a significant role as it mitigates many of the risks associated with climate and market-related challenges.
This story is from the 1 March 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 1 March 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.
In it for the win and so much more
The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
Changing the potential of your soil
By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.