Nets and crop protection
How to Choose Shade Net in Sri Lanka: 50%, 60%, 70% or 80%?
Diyatha Garden Center currently lists 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% shade-net options from India, Thailand and Israel for customers in Sri Lanka. Choose by the amount of light required, not percentage alone: 50% blocks less light than 60%, 70% or 80%.
Check the crop and stage, site and season, existing cover, ventilation, wind, product data and fixing design; then confirm current stock and dimensions.
Selection rule
Start with the use, the light problem and the structure
Shade net is useful only when it solves a defined problem. Too little shade may not reduce damaging radiation enough; too much shade can reduce the light needed for compact growth, flowering, fruiting or colour development.
What are you protecting?
Record the crop or space, growth stage, production goal and visible symptoms – not only the crop name.
What must change?
Define whether the problem is excessive light, leaf or fruit sun injury, a hot work area, or seasonal nursery protection.
Where will it be installed?
Open shade house, exterior greenhouse roof, side wall, nursery bench, home garden or non-crop shade area.
What is already above it?
Greenhouse film, insect net, tree shade and structural members already reduce or redistribute light.
Can it be adjusted?
A removable or retractable solution allows seasonal response; a fixed installation needs a cautious choice.
How will it be verified?
Use a light meter or repeatable crop observations before and after installation and at different times of day.
Important
Shade percentage is not a crop prescription and does not equal the same percentage reduction in temperature. Local weather, colour, construction, mounting position and ventilation change the result.
Shade factor
Understand what 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% mean
Shade cloth is commonly rated by the percentage of light it blocks. The diagram is conceptual: use the supplier verified shade factor and measure the finished installation when the light level matters to crop performance.
Existing greenhouse cover counts
If shade net is placed over film or another screen, the combined light reaching the crop is lower than the shade-net label alone suggests. Do not simply add the two percentages; verify the combined system with measurements or supplier optical data.
Selection framework
Choose shade net with four checks
Best practice is to choose conservatively, monitor light and crop response, then adjust seasonally where the structure allows.
What to record before asking Diyatha
Crop or use
Crop or use, age or growth stage, current symptoms, planting dates and whether the need is seasonal or permanent.
Location and exposure
Town or district, open field or greenhouse, sun exposure, wind exposure and any existing covering.
Structure
Structure length, width, roof profile, proposed panel layout and photographs of the fixing points.
Product data
Preferred shade percentage is only a starting option; ask for actual dimensions and available product data.
For commercial crops
Have the final choice reviewed by a qualified agronomist or protected-cropping adviser who understands the crop, location and production target.
50% / 60% / 70% / 80%
Compare the four Diyatha shade levels
The table describes relative light reduction, not guaranteed crop suitability. Start from the required growing conditions and use field measurement or professional review for crop-specific decisions.
| Option | Relative effect | A sensible starting conversation | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | Lowest shade in this range; most light passes | Where moderate shading is required and retaining more light is important | May still be too much for a high-light crop under an existing cover – verify. |
| 60% | Moderate-high light reduction | Nursery, ornamental or protected areas needing more shade than 50% | Do not assume the crop will tolerate the reduced daily light. |
| 70% | High light reduction | Shade-tolerant uses or spaces needing strong solar screening | Can be excessive for many production crops, especially during cloudy periods. |
| 80% | Very high light reduction | Non-crop shade, holding areas or specialised plant uses that genuinely need heavy shade | High risk of insufficient crop light if selected only because the site feels hot. |
A safer trial method
Set a baseline
Record light and crop condition before shading, including midday and cloudy-day observations.
Trial a section
Where practical, test one representative area rather than fixing the entire project permanently.
Compare consistently
Measure at the same height, position and time; watch stretch, leaf colour, flowering and crop quality.
Adjust seasonally
Remove, retract or change coverage when the need changes instead of leaving excessive shade all year.
Diyatha range
Compare Indian, Thailand and Israel shade net
Diyatha lists 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% options from all three origins. Origin alone does not prove the best choice: compare the actual product sheet, dimensions, construction and warranty.
| Current range | Diyatha-listed dimensions | Current product-page description | Verify before order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | 3 m wide; listed in 1 m, 50 m and 100 m lengths | High quality; consistent shade | Actual cut policy, shade tolerance, material/knit, UV stabilisation, GSM, warranty and stock |
| Thailand | 2 m, 3 m, 4 m and 6 m wide; 5 m, 25 m, 50 m and 100 m lengths | Long lasting; durable; general agriculture | Exact size/colour in stock, shade tolerance, construction, UV data, warranty and fixing requirements |
| Israel | 3 m wide; 50 m length | Premium; resistant against inclement weather; good durability | Supplier data sheet, wind/fixing limitations, shade tolerance, construction, UV data and warranty |
The buyer checklist
Optical
Verified shade factor, colour and whether the value is tested for the exact product.
Mechanical
Knitted or woven construction, tensile/tear data, edge treatment and approved fixings.
Weathering
UV stabilisation, warranty terms, expected service conditions and exclusions.
Commercial
Usable roll width/length, joins, cut policy, current stock and replacement availability.
Applications
Where shade net can be used
Select the percentage and structure for the real use. A net suitable for a nursery bench may not be suitable for a fruiting crop, a greenhouse roof or a large wind-exposed work area.
Nurseries and propagation
Manage excessive light for young or shade-adapted plants while maintaining airflow and monitoring stretch.
Shade houses
Create a protected growing area using a structure designed for the net, local wind and maintenance access.
Greenhouse exterior
Exterior shade can reduce the heat load better than interior shade, but it increases structural and wind-design demands.
Home gardens
Provide seasonal protection for selected plants; use a removable layout and avoid blocking all useful light.
Ornamental holding areas
Reduce direct radiation where the plant mix and holding duration have been assessed.
Non-crop shade
Work zones or other areas may justify heavier shade, but use structural and fire-safety requirements for the site.
Shade net is not insect or rain protection
Open shade net reduces incident light but should not be sold as a substitute for correctly selected insect net, bird net, greenhouse film or waterproof roofing.
Measurement
Calculate how much shade net you need
Measure the surface the net must follow: roof panel dimensions, fixing returns and curved roof forms are not always the same as the floor area.
Base-area formula
For a rectangular flat panel: base area = covered length x covered width. A 12 m x 6 m panel has a base area of 72 m2. Add only approved fixing returns and overlaps, then map the panels into available roll widths and lengths.
Order planning
Turn the structure into a roll-and-panel plan
Draw each surface
Separate roof slopes, arch surfaces, side panels, doors and openings. Give every panel an ID.
Mark fixing edges
Show where the net terminates, turns, joins, is clipped or must remain removable.
Confirm roll direction
Match each panel to a current roll width to reduce joins and unusable offcuts.
Design the joins
Use supplier-approved overlap or seam details; do not invent a universal overlap allowance.
Create a cut list
Record panel ID, finished size, cut size, roll width, quantity and installation location.
Recheck access
Allow doors, vents, gutters, equipment and maintenance paths to keep working.
Simple cut-list template
| Panel | Surface | Finished measurement | Fix / overlap detail | Roll width | Cut quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Roof left | ___ m x ___ m | Supplier / designer detail | ___ m | ___ |
| R2 | Roof right | ___ m x ___ m | Supplier / designer detail | ___ m | ___ |
| S1 | Side panel | ___ m x ___ m | Door / vent opening | ___ m | ___ |
Do not order from square metres alone
Two projects with the same area can need different quantities because the roll widths, roof shape, joins and fixing edges differ.
Pre-installation
Prepare the structure before installation
Approved structure
Confirm that posts, foundations, cables and frames are designed for the net and local wind loads.
Correct product
Check shade percentage, roll width, length, colour, batch, damage and supplier instructions.
Safe conditions
Install only with safe access, suitable fall protection and calm weather; keep people clear below.
Smooth contact points
Remove sharp edges and burrs; use approved protection where the net crosses abrasive surfaces.
Compatible fixings
Use UV- and weather-suitable clips, wire, cord or profiles approved for the net and structure.
Panel sequence
Label the cut list and plan the installation order so finished sections are not dragged or damaged.
Wind warning
Shade net adds wind load. Large or exposed installations require site-specific structural design; a webpage cannot safely provide universal post, cable, foundation or fastener spacing.
Installation sequence
Install evenly without sagging or overstretching
Position
Orient and unfold the panel on a clean surface; keep it away from sharp edges and rough ground.
Anchor
Secure the specified starting edge and corners using the approved attachment method.
Distribute
Work progressively and spread load across supports; do not pull hard from one isolated point.
Tension
Remove major slack while avoiding distortion or excessive stretch; follow supplier instructions.
Finish
Complete joins and edges, trim only after final confirmation and protect every cut or contact point.
Inspect
Check coverage, fixings, access, drainage, flapping, abrasion and clearance before handover.
Maintenance
Maintain and troubleshoot from evidence
Reinspect early and after strong wind, repairs or structural movement. Correct the cause of wear before a small problem becomes a large tear.
| Problem | Likely causes to check | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sagging | Insufficient support, loose fixings, stretch, water/debris load or poor panel plan | Isolate the area; correct support and retension only to the approved method. |
| Edge tear | Load concentrated at a fixing, sharp hardware, insufficient edge detail or flapping | Stop propagation; replace damaged attachment/material and distribute the load. |
| Hole at frame | Abrasion, burr or repeated movement at a contact point | Smooth/protect the contact, then repair or replace the affected panel. |
| Uneven shade | Overstretch, distorted knit, different batches, seams or partial double layers | Check product identity and panel layout; measure light below representative areas. |
| Loose after wind | Fixing failure, cable movement or structural deformation | Restrict access and obtain structural/fixing review before re-tensioning. |
| Crop stretching | Too little light, excessive duration or interaction with existing cover | Measure light and crop response; reduce or remove shade with agronomic advice. |
Cleaning
Use the supplier cleaning method. Avoid sharp tools, harsh chemicals, high-pressure jets or dragging. Let the net dry before storage.
Verified product pathways
Browse Diyatha shade-net products
Keep the catalogue simple for buyers. This guide explains selection; the links below lead to the current individual options. Confirm stock, colour, width, length, exact shade factor and technical data before purchase.
50% Shade Net
The lowest shade level in Diyatha current 50-80% range; compare all three origins.
60% Shade Net
A moderate-high shade option; verify light need and the current dimensions.
70% Shade Net
A high-shade option that requires careful crop and seasonal review.
80% Shade Net
A very-high-shade option for uses that genuinely require heavy light reduction.
All current percentage and origin options
| Shade | Indian range | Thailand range | Israel range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | View Indian option | View Thailand option | View Israel option |
| 60% | View Indian option | View Thailand option | View Israel option |
| 70% | View Indian option | View Thailand option | View Israel option |
| 80% | View Indian option | View Thailand option | View Israel option |
Direct answers
Frequently asked questions
What does 70% shade net mean?
It generally means the net is rated to block about 70% of incident light under the test basis used for that product. It does not mean a 70% temperature reduction.
Is 50% shade net suitable for every vegetable?
No. Crop, variety, growth stage, site, season, existing cover and production goal all affect the amount of useful shade.
Which is better: Indian, Thailand or Israel shade net?
Choose from verified product specifications, dimensions, construction, UV data, warranty, stock and project requirements. Origin alone is not enough.
Can I place shade net over greenhouse polythene?
Yes, in a suitably designed system. Exterior shading can reduce heat load effectively, but wind loading, abrasion, fixings and the combined light transmission must be assessed.
How do I calculate shade-net quantity?
Measure each actual surface, add only the approved fixing and overlap details, then convert the panels into current roll widths and lengths.
Should shade net be tight?
It should be supported and firm enough to avoid harmful flapping and sagging, but not overstretched. Follow the product and structural fixing method.
Does shade net stop rain?
No. Standard open shade net is not waterproof roofing. Use a purpose-designed greenhouse film or roof system when rain exclusion is required.
Does shade net stop insects?
It is not a substitute for insect net. Insect exclusion depends on verified mesh dimensions and a fully sealed installation.
Diyatha support
Ask Diyatha for the right product and roll plan
Send the crop or intended use, town or district, structure photographs, panel measurements, existing greenhouse or insect-net cover, preferred shade range, wind exposure and required date. Diyatha can confirm the current product options and the technical checks still needed.
Technical sources consulted
Selection framework and safety basis
- Alabama Cooperative Extension – Controlling the Greenhouse Environment for Vegetable Crops
- University of Florida IFAS – Florida Greenhouse Design
- University of Missouri – Greenhouse / High Tunnel Shading
- UMass Extension – Energy and Shade Screen Systems for Greenhouses
- Diyatha – Shade Net catalogue and current product specifications
Technical note
Crop recommendations, optical values, warranties, structural loads, fixing details and current product availability must be verified before purchase or installation. This guide is a selection framework, not a site-specific crop or structural design.