Efficiency of greenhouses from covering material. Covering non-woven materials: reviews, prices
With the advent of spring, every summer resident has a time for troubles and worries about their new “wards” and their comfortable stay during the periods of the first spring frosts. We try to cover young plants as best as possible, creating an optimal microclimate for them. We all know well such covering material as polyethylene film, but the choice is not limited to this. I propose to consider in more detail the features of each material in order to understand which and for what we can come in handy. We are talking about artificial origin.
Spunbond, lutrasil, agril, spantex, agrosuf, agrospan - what is it?
Surely many of you have come across these outlandish names. A gardener with experience immediately understands what is at stake, but for a beginner it is like the alphabet of a new, unexplored language. All these are well-known trademarks, under which the material, which is extremely necessary in horticulture, is made, consisting of non-woven polypropylene fiber.
Covering material for beds
When I went to buy non-woven polypropylene material for covering strawberries, I did not see the difference between the rolls, the consultant then also could not tell me what the fundamental difference was. When I brought home my purchase, it turned out that the material of the purchased density can be covered with greenhouses in the winter, but for berries in the spring it is not very suitable. Let's talk about the density of non-woven material.
Density of nonwoven polypropylene fiber
- 17-30g/m²- a material with such a density range would be just right for my purposes. It is able to protect plants in the open field from strong sun and spring short frosts at night, and due to good air, water, light and thermal conductivity, it helps to organize a special microclimate for plants for the best growth and development. The advantage of this material is also protection from birds and insects. Shrubs, berries, vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants, mainly growing on open ground, are covered with a material with a density of 17-30 g / m².
Lutrasil density 17-30 g/m²
- 42-60g/m² perfect if you plan to build a greenhouse with arcs and provide the plant with winter shelter.
Shelter made of non-woven material with a density of 42-60 g/m²
- 60 g/m²- a material of such density "for the lazy", its benefits more than pay for its market value. During the production of the material, some companies add a UV stabilizer that extends the life of the canvas. And the addition of carbon black gives the non-woven material a black color. This color contributes to greater absorption of sunlight, the plants receive more heat, but the weeds, being under such a shelter, “do not see” the sun and die. Black is most often used as mulch, white is stretched over frames to protect plants. The structure of the material is such that it perfectly passes moisture. Therefore, watering and applying liquid fertilizers will not be difficult.
Shelter of roses with lutrasil with a density of 60 g / m²
Now there are so many different offers on the market that it is difficult not to lose your head. By and large, the essence of all brands of covering nonwovens is the same. The difference is in proprietary manufacturing technologies and, of course, in price and quality. The most popular on the Russian market, it seems to me, is still spunbond, the name of which has actually become a household name for covering materials, like diaper diapers or photocopiers for copiers.
Spunbond
In our country, spunbond nonwoven material is widely used due to its properties, quality and price. It is durable, lightweight, environmentally friendly, does not deform from temperature changes, passes moisture and air. Moreover, it is made by both foreign and Russian manufacturers. The canvas can be either white or black for surface mulching. Spunbond is used in many areas, and in horticulture it is especially valued among covering nonwovens, its density is from 17 to 60 g/m².
A long-known popular material for the needs of the gardener. I propose to consider various options for polyethylene film.
Polyethylene film - a well-known material for the needs of the gardener
This film is formulated with a UV light stabilizer to help protect the polymer coating from degrading sunlight. Film stability is determined from the amount of stabilizer added. A dye can also be added to the film, which changes the spectrum of sunlight. The film retains heat well and retains moisture without disturbing the structure and density of the soil. The use of a film helps to keep the fertilizer from washing out, so you can get earlier flowering and ripening of the crop.
Light stabilized film
Black and white film is interesting - one side of such a film is black and the other is white. It can be used in greenhouses, where it is covered with the ground with the white side up to reflect excess sunlight, while the black side does not allow weeds to break through.
Light stabilized film
- Reinforced film
Reinforced film for greenhouses. Photo from teplica-exp.ru
I myself have dealt with such material in everyday life. Almost served for 3 years, but then the coating had to be changed. I can’t say what factors caused the film to fail so quickly. Maybe the quality let us down, maybe the human factor. I will say one thing: after the film there was glass, now we are preparing to cover the greenhouse with polycarbonate, the only question is the price.
For clarity, I compiled a table with film indicators in order to better understand why and where it can be used.
Comparative table of films
Polyethylene film, as you know, does not allow moisture to pass through, freely transmits light (in the case of a transparent film) and keeps heat much better than spunbond. These are its advantages, thanks to which the film is great for creating mini-greenhouses. Its disadvantages also follow from this - possible overheating of the plant, the need to remove the film for watering and airing.
The polyethylene film does not allow moisture to pass through, transmits light (if transparent) and keeps heat better than spunbond
So, the film is good at the beginning of the season, so that the soil warms up faster, it helps if you need to protect the plants from excessive rainfall or, conversely, keep moisture underneath. If it became warmer, the climate is in order, then we boldly replace the film with spunbond and its analogues.
Polycarbonate
It is difficult to imagine a modern greenhouse without polycarbonate, this is one of the most reliable shelters for plants and the creation of all conditions for their growth and development. Such material is not afraid of rain, wind, or bacteria, it is durable, lightweight, holds heat well and transmits light.
Cellular polycarbonate. Photo from remkompbvd.ru
Why is cellular polycarbonate for greenhouses so remarkable? In fact, polycarbonate is a sheet of plastic with cavities inside, somewhat similar to "honeycombs". It is lighter than monolithic, has no smell. The sheets are strong, but at the same time quite light. So, for example, glass weighs 16 times more, and acrylic 3 times more than a sheet of cellular polycarbonate.
Cellular polycarbonate is non-combustible, but it has excellent plasticity. Transparent polycarbonate is able to pass up to 92% of the sun's rays. In the manufacture of polycarbonate sheets, a UV stabilizer can also be added to them, which increases the life of this material.
The structure of cellular polycarbonate and the thickness of the sheet affect its scope. To better understand the thickness of polycarbonate of different structures, below is a table of indicators.
Polycarbonate indicators
The produced polycarbonate sheets have standard sizes of 2.1x2 m, 2.1x6 m and 2.1x12 m. The thickness is different, it can be from 3.2 mm to 3.2 cm. The produced cellular polycarbonate can be of various colors. When choosing such a material, it should be remembered that the more complex its internal structure, the more reliably it protects against snow and wind.
Agrotextiles
Recently, there has been an increasing demand for agricultural fabrics, gardeners are attracted by the possibility of protecting crops from weeds. In addition, the manufacturing technology of such fabrics eliminates the use of herbicides, making the crop more environmentally friendly. This fabric is very convenient when placing plants on the ridge.
Agrofabric can be used not only in the fight against weeds, but also in greenhouses and greenhouses. Moisture lingers longer in the soil due to the retention of evaporation by the fabric. In addition, an optimal temperature regime for the plant is created.
Agrofabric, as well as non-woven material, is UV-stabilized. Its color can be either white or black, even green and gray are made to order. White agrofabric protects the plant from overheating and prevents UV rays from affecting the soil. Constantly in contact with water, the agrofabric does not begin to rot, it can regularly serve for about 5 years.
The labeling of agricultural fabrics depends on whether the fabric is striped or plaid. To better understand the labeling of agricultural fabrics, I give the following table:
Agrofabric marking
In our market, which unites large online stores, you can choose the covering material according to your needs. Choose in the section
When this covering material appeared on the domestic market, buyers looked at the new product for a long time, not believing that it could compete with the usual film. Over time, the advantages of agrofibre became obvious, although gardeners still experience unfortunate failures from time to time when using it. But is the material to blame? To avoid mistakes, you need, first of all, to understand the main characteristics of agrofibre, as well as where and when each of its types is used, how to choose it and whether it is worth paying more. This is what we'll talk about today.
From the article you will learn:
- 1 Agrofibre for beds: main types
- 2 Agrofibre: material advantages
- 3 Agrofibre as mulch
- 4 Main questions when using agrofibre
- 5 More recommended reading:
Agrofibre for beds: main types
The material is known to the consumer as spunbond, lutrasil, agril and agrotextile. Agrofibre can be of different density - from 15 to 120 g / m2, and, depending on this, has a different purpose. Density is one of the most important parameters to consider when choosing a material.
What are the differences?
Spunbond - the lowest density (17-23 g / m2) transmits light well, very light. It can be used for shelter without arches, because the material does not create a load even on young shoots. Such a shelter can protect plants from frosts of 0-5 ° C.
Agrofibre for beds of medium density (30-42 g / m2) is used to cover the frames of greenhouses and greenhouses. It can protect plants from frosts up to 6-8 ° C; if there is a threat of a serious drop in temperature, it is recommended to make additional shelter.
Dense agrofibre - 60 g / m2 - is used to protect young trees and bushes in the winter. You can also use this type of covering material for greenhouses and hotbeds, frost protection.
Agrotextiles for greenhouses are produced only in white, a similar black material is mainly used for mulching. You should always pay attention to the quality of non-woven material, because good quality agrofibre for beds can last you for a dozen years, and poor-quality material will deteriorate in the first year of use.
Agrofibre: material advantages
Spunbond perfectly protects seedlings from wind and scorching sunlight, creates a favorable microclimate in a greenhouse or mini-greenhouse. Thanks to microscopic holes, this material lets water droplets inside, and also allows excess moisture to evaporate. Thus, plants under spunbond never get steamed, as sometimes happens in film shelters on hot days, the leaves breathe freely and do not burn in the sun.
You can water the seedlings directly on top of the shelter, without removing it or removing it only from time to time. But do not forget: seedlings grow quickly, and along with seedlings, weeds grow just as quickly. So don't miss the moment!
Shelter with non-woven materials contributes to faster ripening of vegetables and berries, and also protects garden crops from adverse weather conditions - heat, acid rain and hail. Under such protection, the soil temperature is always several degrees higher than in the open.
Most often, agrofibre is used to obtain an early harvest of strawberries and potatoes, while the ripening time of the crop is accelerated to 15-20 days. For a similar purpose, a white covering material of medium density is used.
Lightweight white spunbond helps protect vegetables from sunburn on hot days. Pepper and tomato fruits are the most vulnerable to the sun, so they need to be protected in the first place. It is not necessary to put arcs or any other supports over the bed; it is enough to fix the covering material along the edges so that it is not blown away by the wind.
Agrofibre as mulch
Now more and more often agrofibre is used for mulching. For example, strawberries are planted on beds already covered with spunbond, in pre-prepared holes. You can also plant seedlings of cucumbers, tomatoes and the like in the garden.
For mulching, it is recommended to use black spunbond, because it almost does not transmit light, unlike white. This material not only protects the beds from weeds, but also contributes to the rapid heating of the soil in spring. To avoid excessive overheating of the soil in summer, you can put a layer of straw on top of the covering material.
The main questions when using agrofibre
When using agrofibre as a covering material, gardeners have a lot of questions. Let's consider some of them.
1. Is it worth it to cover the greenhouse with agrofibre or is it still better to use a film for growing seedlings?
If you are going to sow seeds or plant seedlings in April, when daytime temperatures are already confidently around 15-20 ° C, do not be shy, choose agrotextiles. But on cold March days, spunbond is not yet able to retain heat well, and seedlings under such shelter will sprout for a long time and stun in growth. Therefore, it is recommended to use a film for growing early seedlings.
2. Through what distance and how to fix the agrofibre?
In this case, it all depends on the soil. Soft ground - you need to strengthen more often, hard - less often. In numbers from 1m to 2m, Sometimes in a checkerboard pattern - if there are strong winds in your area.
You can fix the material either with pegs or with improvised means (electrodes, bricks, logs, etc.). However, it should be borne in mind that when fixing with bricks and logs, it is difficult to press the material evenly. In addition, bricks and logs do not look very aesthetically pleasing on the site. Better to spend it on pegs once. For optimal fixing of the greenhouse, take pegs with a round cap and a loop.
3. How long will the agrofibre last?
Manufacturers usually claim a service life of 3 to 5 years, but there is one important point. Agrofibre, like other polymeric materials, "ages" under the action of sunlight, i.e. ultraviolet radiation. The term of use of agrofibre depends on the presence of light-stabilizing additives in it.
Under direct sunlight, the period of use of agrofibre is 2-3 years. When used in the shade - 3-4 years. It is recommended to use agrofibre only during the period of growth and development (vegetation period) of the plant, and at the end of the season to remove it for storage. Then the agrofibre can serve you for at least three years.
4. Which side to lay the agrofibre on the ground?
It doesn't matter at all. Agrofibre can be laid on either side. It is a non-woven material with a uniform structure that works equally well regardless of the laying side.
5. Are spunbond and agrofibre the same thing?
Based on the fact that most types of agrofibre are produced under the spunbond brand, one can say so, but this will not be entirely true. Spunbond is a technology for manufacturing a certain material, agrofibre is its improved version for agriculture. In the manufacture of agrofibre, stabilizers of ultraviolet radiation are added to classic spunbond. It is the presence of these stabilizers that distinguishes agrofibre from spunbond in its classical sense.
The most accurate would be to say that agrofibre (agrotextile) is a type of spunbond for agriculture. Other types of spunbond are used in medicine, in the manufacture of disposable clothing, upholstered furniture, orthopedic mattresses, and in many other industries. You can read about it on this Wikipedia page. But if you choose agrofibre in the store and see the inscription "spunbond" - do not hesitate. In this case, there is no difference.
6. How to choose the right covering agrofibre?
It all depends on the density of the material. If you plan to lay agrofibre directly on plants, you need a density of up to 30 g m / 2 - this is the maximum allowable agrofibre density at which plants do not deform. In the case of using a frame, the recommended density is from 40 to 60 g m / 2. It is important to buy agrofibre without overpaying: the higher the density, the more expensive the agrofibre. You can save money by correctly calculating the period for planting seedlings. The earlier you plant seedlings, the denser the agrofibre will be needed.
7. How well does agrofibre pass water - how to organize watering?
Agrofibre passes water quite well. But it is worth considering that immediately after laying a new agrofiber on the beds, water can collect on the surface. Over time, when the material settles, water will pass without problems.
You can water the plants through the agrofibre from above. If you are using drip tape, you need to lay it on top of the material. This is due to the fact that the tape needs to be collected for the winter, and the agrofibre will remain on the site for the winter (if the tape is under the agrofibre, this will be difficult to do). Secondly, in the case when the emitter in the drip tape is clogged, or the damaged area needs to be replaced, this operation will be possible only when the tape is on the surface.
When arranging a greenhouse in a country house, it is important to foresee all the nuances, including choosing the right fabric for greenhouses. Not only the appearance of the structure, ease of maintenance and cost, but also the quantity and quality of the greenhouse crop will depend on this.
Covering material for greenhouses should be endowed with a number of characteristics: the ability to normally transmit the sun's rays, prevent ultraviolet radiation from getting inside, and ensure the safety of heat. There should be no condensation inside the structure; it must endure the effects of wind and snow. Also, covering material for a solid home greenhouse should not tear or break, become cloudy over the years, and allow harmful microflora to form on the surface. It is easy to cut and fasten to the frame, clean and, if possible, is cheap.
We bring to your attention an overview of each of the five materials that can make a reliable coating to protect greenhouses from external factors. Since the ideal fabric that combines all of the above characteristics has not yet been invented, any of the materials has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Film
This is an inexpensive option that has been popular for many years. It was this material that farmers used to cover greenhouses in the middle of the last century. There are reinforced and hydrophobic films on the market.
Advantages and disadvantages
Reinforced film has increased strength and a longer service life than conventional film. Its disadvantages include the accumulation of condensate inside the structure. Also, when using any type of film, a membrane effect is created, in which moisture and air are poorly transmitted. Such a coating will last 1-3 seasons and cannot boast of high strength.
Shelter Features
To cover the structure with a film, it does not take much time and special knowledge. It is easy to work with it, and its low weight and plasticity make it possible to use a light frame for the greenhouse, for which you do not need to create a foundation. An alternative to hydrophobic will be stretching a conventional film on the ceiling in a couple of layers with an interval (outside and inside the frame).
Glass
If even 10 years ago such material, suitable for greenhouses, was expensive, even now it has not fallen much in price. But in glass greenhouses, crops cannot be harmed by dew, fog, wind or snow.
Advantages and disadvantages
If you cover the structure with a glass "case", you can really achieve excellent light transmission, and you can also be sure of high thermal insulation. Glass retains heat well inside, since its thickness is about 4 mm. But such a covering material that can be used for a greenhouse is expensive, has a significant weight, is fragile, needs to be replaced periodically, and is difficult to install.
Shelter Features
Glass installation is specific, so it should be carried out by specialists. If the gardener plans to cover the structure with glass, you first need to build it on a solid foundation and with a strong frame. Such "covers" are more often used for industrial than private greenhouses, they are convenient in terms of operation and maintenance. If the glass becomes dusty, it can be restored to transparency by simply washing it with a hose.
Cellular polycarbonate
When deciding how to cover the greenhouse, many choose modern cellular polycarbonate. It is produced in sheets with a thickness of 4 to 32 mm, a width of up to 2 m and a length of no more than 12 m. This is a successful tandem of glass and polyethylene, which has a high cost.
Advantages and disadvantages
If you cover the structure with such sheets, it will become thermally insulating, the light transmission will be up to 84%, and its resistance to stress and possible damage will increase. Special grades are resistant to UV radiation and do not tend to become cloudy during operation. The advantages are also the low weight of the sheets and the ease of self-assembly.
The design will be not only durable, but also beautiful, since products of different colors are offered on the market. Tinted stamps are also available. The service life of sheets can be 10 years or more.
Disadvantages - high cost, a decrease in the degree of light transmission during operation, a tendency to deformation under the condition of heating or cooling.
Shelter Features
Before covering the greenhouse, it is recommended to purchase sheets having a thickness of 6 mm. They are easily bent and make it possible to create a durable arched greenhouse structure. Any variety is easy to cut, and special knowledge is not required for mounting on the frame. At the stage of construction of greenhouses, the ends of the sheet are best protected from subsequent water penetration using special plugs. There is also a need to create a solid framework.
Spunbond
Another option that can be used to cover a dacha structure is a non-fabric spunbond made of thin polymer fibers. From it you can make a solid cover for the greenhouse.
Advantages and disadvantages
It is valued for its ability to create a light regime suitable for the development of crops, excellent air and water permeability. Watering can be carried out directly on top of such a non-woven shelter. The structure is protected from temperature extremes, attacks by birds and insects, resistant to possible rupture and the influence of chemicals.
It is inexpensive, wear-resistant, is not affected by fungus, does not rot, does not corrode, and is also environmentally friendly - it is safe for people and plants even with strong heating. Made by the skillful hand of a gardener, such a cover will be endowed with a low level of water absorption, and can also be used for several seasons.
During rain, you will definitely have to lay polyethylene on top.
Shelter Features
This is one of the best modern materials, which is easily removed, cleaned and compactly folded, not prone to cracking. When installed, the canvas is perfectly cut, maintaining integrity, convenient to use. The foundation for the greenhouse is not required, it is permissible to simply bury the supports in the ground, the crossbars can also be omitted. For the convenience of fasteners, it is advised to sew, or rather, stitch a strip of fabric with ties.
It is better to store the canvas after removal, drying and cleaning in a dry and dark place.
Agrofibre
Available in density from 17 to 60 g/sq. m. For greenhouses, it is better to use the densest agrofibre that can last 3-6 seasons. In the manufacture of manufacturers use polymers. For mulching the soil and protecting seedlings, it is customary to use black, and for greenhouses - white.
Covering materials help increase yields, accelerate the growth and ripening of vegetables, and protect plants from frost. If in the past only polyethylene was available for these purposes, then the modern variety can confuse a novice gardener.
Surely you have heard about non-woven agrofibre, air-bubble and light-stabilized film, as well as weed control coatings. I will help you understand the features and intricacies of choosing greenhouse coverings.
When buying film or non-woven coatings, two main criteria are taken into account - this is the use case and service life. Both factors ultimately affect the cost and success of the application. Covering material may differ in type and density, so it is selected according to the purpose of use:
- for beds - when there is no supporting frame;
- small greenhouses;
- stationary greenhouses;
- protection of the underground part of plants from weeds, overheating, pests.
The quality and service life of coatings of all types are evaluated by two indicators:
- The uniformity of the web in terms of density. The uneven texture and thickness of the layer can often be seen in low-quality covering agrofiber. The criterion is important for all covering materials, since it affects the mechanical strength, the degree of protection from wind and cold during frost.
- UV resistant. To protect against the destructive action of sunlight, ultraviolet stabilizers are introduced into the polymer raw material. In their absence, the covering material becomes brittle, brittle, crumbles in the garden in a month or two.
Please note: the degree of protection of garden crops from short frosts is affected not only by the quality of the covering material, but also by the microclimate of the greenhouse: the degree of heating and soil moisture. The negative temperatures indicated on the packaging are values under ideal conditions.
Polymeric covering films for greenhouses
Modern film coatings are made not only from traditional polyethylene, but also from other high-tech raw materials - acrylic, PVC and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). With a similar appearance, they are superior to polyethylene products in strength. According to the structure, all film covering materials can be divided into three groups:
- Single-layer (traditional), multi-layer (with additional properties).
- Air-bubble - provide protection for plants when it gets cold down to -8º C.
- Reinforced (three-layer), outer layers - light-stabilized, inner - strong mesh made of polypropylene fiber. Used for non-separable greenhouses in areas with a difficult climate.
Due to various additives and additives, light transmission, light scattering, resistance to top dressing chemicals, and UV exposure increase. Consider the most popular types of covering films.
Polyethylene ordinary (unstabilized)
More often it is two-layer, produced in rolls in the form of a sleeve. For temporary and small greenhouses, a thin covering material with a thickness of 100-150 microns is suitable. It is not advisable to buy thicker, since even the densest shelter will not last longer than one season.
Advantages:
- Good light transmission. Tinted versions are available to create different lighting conditions.
- Environmental Safety. Polyethylene does not affect the composition of the soil, does not emit harmful substances.
- Strength. The surface withstands showers, strong winds, medium-sized hail.
- Light weight. Covering material can be attached to a lightweight frame.
The disadvantages include sensitivity to external factors: to the action of solar ultraviolet radiation, fertilizing, fertilizers. Polyethylene wears out quickly, does not allow water vapor to pass through, becomes electrified, as a result of which dust settles on its surface.
Note: the folds formed during the fastening of the polyethylene greenhouse fail first. To prevent tears, you need to glue them with adhesive tape before use.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Compared to P / E canvas, it has increased tear strength and elasticity, and can be used for several seasons. It differs from other species by a high light transmission rate, which is close to 90%.
Delays up to 95% of the rays of the infrared spectrum, due to which the greenhouse does not cool down at night. Due to its resistance to cracking, it does not lose transparency during multi-season operation.
The disadvantages of this material include a higher cost and thickness (150-200 microns), due to which the mass increases.
Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA)
Copolymer shelters are distinguished by elasticity, wear resistance, strength, due to which they serve up to 3 years. The light transmission index is 92%, withstands wind gusts of 18-20 m / s and hard frosts.
Due to the characteristics, the optimal thickness for greenhouses is 90-110 microns. It is not economically profitable to buy EVA covering material thicker and denser.
Stabilized (with additives)
Regardless of the raw material from which the film is made, one or more components are introduced into the composition to improve the characteristics:
- UV stabilizers - reduce the damaging effects of sunlight.
- Antifog hydrophobic additives - prevent fogging, accumulation of large condensate droplets. On such a film, moisture flows down, further improving light transmission.
- Anti-static - resist the accumulation of static electricity. The surface does not attract dust that impairs transparency.
- Heat stabilizers - reduce the degree of deformation at elevated temperatures.
- Anti-blocking agents - prevent sticking of the film.
- IR stabilizers - do not let infrared rays through, as a result, the greenhouse loses less heat at night.
- Phosphors - convert ultraviolet light into the visible part of the spectrum. Due to this, illumination is enhanced, plant growth is accelerated.
Note: manufacturers color stabilized materials in various shades. Since there is no single standard, when buying, it is better to focus on the description in the instructions than on color matching.
Non-woven covering materials
Depending on the manufacturer, agrofibre is known on the market under different names - Agrospan, Lutrasil, Agrotex, Spunbond. It differs from other agrotextiles in the method of production.
Lightweight breathable material is made from the finest polyester or acrylic yarns with stabilizing additives using the spunbond technology.
The fibers are bonded together without weaving by needle-punching or heat-sealing, resulting in a strong fabric.
Properties of nonwoven covering materials
Agrospan and other canvases in this category create a healthy microclimate in the greenhouse:
- Pass water vapor, promote gas exchange.
- Prevent overcooling of plants.
- Scatter sunlight, protect leaves from burns.
- Provides a smooth change of day and night temperatures.
- Reduce evaporation of soil moisture.
- Protect from pests.
Covering non-woven materials are light in weight, so they are often covered with plants without the use of frames. The service life of the stabilized Agrospan is at least 3 seasons.
Note: black covering materials are not removed for watering and liquid feeding, since the mesh structure freely passes water.
Density selection
- For beds, material with a density of 17 to 30 g / m 2 is used. Shelter is thrown after sowing the seeds, as the plants grow, the edges are released. Coatings are labeled as "Agrospan 17", "Agril 30", etc.
- Grade 30-42 is suitable for arc greenhouses in which seedlings and low-growing vegetables are grown.
- Covering material grade 50-60 can be covered with a stationary greenhouse or a small greenhouse.
Black covering material
It is laid on the beds as a mulch - it does not allow weeds to grow. Covering fabric of this type is produced with a density of 60 g/m 2 . UV stabilizers are introduced during the production process to increase the service life.
Due to the black color, the canvas absorbs heat, the ground under it warms up faster. The soil remains loose, the top layer does not form a crust that prevents the root system from breathing. Weeds without access to light do not develop and die. Under the black cover, the fertile layer is not washed away by rains, and the berries and vegetables remain clean.
Note: two-color mulch covers solve several problems. The black side of them is placed to the ground to stop the growth of weeds. The outer foil or white surface reflects light, speeding up fruit ripening.
Which is better, film or non-woven covering material
The answer to the question depends on the goal. If the task is to protect plants from bad weather, create a humid microclimate and warm the beds faster, then a film coating is more suitable.
If comfortable gas exchange without the "greenhouse effect" is more important, or if you need to cover the vegetative plantings, then you can not do without agrofiber. If necessary, materials can be combined: sheathe the side parts with spunbond, and protect the top of the greenhouse with a film.
Today, summer residents have a wide selection of materials for covering greenhouses. On the one hand, this allows you to choose the one that will meet all the requirements of the gardener, on the other hand, it has become quite difficult to decide on the purchase. Previously, plastic wrap was used to cover the greenhouse, so there were no questions. Now the assortment is so diverse that it is necessary to carefully study all the features and disadvantages of the covering material before choosing the best one.
Polyethylene film
Plastic film is still in demand today due to its low cost and availability. And it’s not scary that she serves no more than one season, but she:
- easy to install;
- reliably protects garden crops from morning frosts and winds;
- maintains the required temperature and humidity in the greenhouse.
When choosing a polyethylene film as a covering material, get a white one - it will not heat up in the sun, and therefore will last much longer. Don't get hung up on the thickness of the material. Even the most durable film will not last longer than one season, and its destruction does not depend on operating conditions. Therefore, the purchase of a thick coating entails unreasonable expenses, nothing more.
Plastic wrap is an ideal and practical option for summer residents who plan to use a greenhouse for one season.
Reinforced film
Progress does not stand still, so ordinary polyethylene has been replaced by new coatings, which, combining all its advantages, also have additional advantages. One of these is a reinforced film with heat-retaining and light-transforming properties.
Externally, the reinforced film looks like a fishing net with cells filled with polyethylene. Such a film is more durable, elastic and resistant to external damage.
The peculiarity of the reinforced coating is that the thickness of the cells and threads of the frame can be different. The smaller the mesh size, the denser the film.
In any case, regardless of the manufacturer and density of the film, its service life does not exceed three years.
Choose reinforced film with mini-holes in the cells. It has good ventilation performance, and therefore, your plants in a greenhouse with such a shelter will be more comfortable and warmer.
Reinforced film should be chosen by gardeners who plan to use the greenhouse for more than one season.
PVC film
Polyvinyl chloride film looks like polyethylene. However, it has completely different characteristics. The PVC film does not emit the rustling characteristic of cellophane and is more dense.
As a coating for a greenhouse, polyvinyl chloride is good because:
- provides high light transmission;
- perfectly resists harmful infrared radiation;
- does not allow the greenhouse to cool at night, which means that the plants will be warm.
However, despite such clear advantages, summer residents rarely use it as a cover for a greenhouse, as it does not withstand frosts below 15 degrees. Given the peculiarities of the Russian climate, such a low frost resistance is clearly not enough. Another disadvantage of PVC film is that it attracts dust, which prevents sunlight from entering the greenhouse.
If you still decide to purchase a PVC film for a greenhouse, be aware that its service life is 8 years, but only on condition that it is removed at the end of each season.
Cellular polycarbonate
Many gardeners, choosing which material is best for a greenhouse, prefer cellular polycarbonate. And this is quite reasonable. This covering material combines the best advantages of glass and polyethylene, namely:
- provides excellent thermal insulation;
- well passes the sun's rays;
- reliably protects from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation;
- perfectly resists wind gusts, climatic conditions and shock loads, which guarantees a long service life;
- lightweight and easy to install.
On sale you can find polycarbonate in different color variations, various thicknesses and sizes.
Polycarbonate greenhouses are ideal for both seasonal vegetable growing and year-round crops.
However, the covering material is not without its drawbacks. The first and, perhaps, the main one is the cost - it is high. Of course, given the life of the material and its benefits, the price for experienced gardeners is quite reasonable. But for beginner gardeners who are just learning the basics of growing garden crops, it’s hard to decide on such an expensive purchase.
In an effort to spend less money, many summer residents purchase inexpensive polycarbonate from Chinese manufacturers. However, despite the fact that the Chinese economy has made a huge leap in recent years, it cannot boast of success in the production of polycarbonate. Therefore, it is better to give preference to better products or purchase other covering material.
Israel (Polygal), Germany (Palram), England (Breet Nartin), as well as domestic manufacturers (Polygal Vostok, Novattro) are considered the best polycarbonate manufacturers. These brands have shown themselves well in practice in the harsh Russian climate, therefore they are very popular, especially since manufacturers offer a wide range of products.
The second disadvantage of polycarbonate is that during the construction of a greenhouse, it is necessary to take into account its properties and change dimensions during heating and cooling. In addition, it is important to choose the right thickness of polycarbonate. Material with a thickness of 4 mm is not suitable for arranging a greenhouse, as it has low thermal insulation characteristics. A thickness of 8-10 mm is more suitable for industrial winter greenhouses.
Agrofibre
A relatively new covering material, which is offered to gardeners by numerous manufacturers, is agrofibre.
Agrofibre is a non-woven material that is made from polypropylene, polyamide, polyester and other fiber-forming materials.
Benefits of nonwoven greenhouse cover:
- It transmits the rays of the sun and moisture well and protects against harmful ultraviolet radiation thanks to a UV stabilizer.
- A greenhouse made of non-woven material heats up quickly and cools slowly (thermal insulation properties), which ensures low temperature fluctuations in the structure.
- Agrofilm provides a special microclimate in the greenhouse: during heavy rainfall, excess moisture is not absorbed into the coating, and during drought, moisture does not leave the soil for a long time.
- Agrofibre is convenient to use, easy to remove and wash, does not crack.
- The service life of non-woven material, depending on the operating conditions, is 3-6 years.
Agrofibre is preferred by many gardeners, due to the fact that this material perfectly passes moisture and provides good air circulation. As a result, the owners of agrofibre greenhouse have much less trouble with watering and ventilation.
In addition, non-woven material frees the summer resident from the puzzle over additional heating of the greenhouse - it will always keep constant humidity and temperature. And the quick ripening of the fruit and the long growing season become a nice bonus.
Tension awning
A rather unusual covering for a greenhouse is a stretch awning. It is made from non-woven materials. The most famous are such types of awnings as Acrylic, Lutrasil, Thermoselect. Tension awnings made of nonwoven materials have a wide range of applications, so it is important to carefully study the characteristics of the product before purchasing them.
The advantage of this coating is that it heats up well and cools slowly, which means that at night the seedlings will be warm. However, the awning is not designed for severe frosts and is only suitable for warm weather. In addition, it is not particularly popular with summer residents due to its high cost.
If you have already purchased an awning to cover the greenhouse, protect it from the effects of the external environment: in case of strong winds and precipitation, cover it with a polyethylene film on top, and remove it in warm and sunny weather. This will prolong the life of the coating.
This article lists the most common greenhouse covering materials, ranging from inexpensive and most common to innovative and therefore more expensive. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, as well as calculating your requirements and financial capabilities, you can easily determine which covering material is best in your case.