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EVAPORATION

Netpro Pty Ltd design and build protective structures to aid horticulturalists in providing optimum production conditions for their crops.  Dam and waterway covers can facilitate conservation of precious water – and aid in maintaining both quantity and quality.

Evaporation occurs through wind and heat – a protective canopy will reduce both these factors and hence dramatically reduce water lost through evaporation.

Dam-Covers:  Between 2002 and 2007, NetPro Pty Ltd was involved with a research project coordinated by the NCEA (National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture) for the development of technology to control evaporation from water storages. (Tech. Ref. **5).

From this research our most popular dam cover structure developed, with the characteristic NetPro supporting structure of high-tensile steel cable and a knitted high-density shade-cloth cover.  

 

 

THE BENEFITS OF A SUSPENDED CANOPY SYSTEM:

• Evaporation Control – save 60%. (Tech. Ref. **5) to 90%. (Tech. Ref. **6) of evaporation losses (depending on local seasonal & potential evaporation rates), due to (Tech. Ref. **6):
• reduced wind speed and turbulence over the water surface - up to 90% wind reduction under the cover; air-speed is virtually zero when the skirts are properly fitted.
  (Tech. Ref. **6);
• a stable air temperature profile (covers have an insulating effect)
• lower water surface temperature under the cover (up to 4°C. (Tech. Ref. **5);
• fabric permeability which is low enough to reduce air currents and moisture diffusion
• reduction of the vapour pressure difference at the interface between air and water (in an uncovered situation, the vapour pressure is at saturation) i.e. the cover traps a layer of humid air.
• Improvement of water quality. (Tech. Ref. **5), by:
• Reducing algal and plant growth through reduced light penetration
• Prevention of bird access; and
• Reduction of wind-blown contaminants.
• Reduced Chemical Treatment. (Tech. Ref. **5) – to either cover or clean the water
• Reduced Dam Bank Erosion – minimize wind and wave impact
• Increased Security. (Tech. Ref. **5) – easy detection of unauthorized access
• Reduced Weed and Reed Growth – minimize noxious plants
• Cost Effective
• Rapid Implementation
• Storage does not require drainage prior to installation – save time and money
• Structure Longevity – support structure lifespan expected to be 30 years; canopy lifespan expected to exceed 15 years
• Minimal Visual Impact – low-profile canopy, anchors and support structure
• Porous Canopy – rain falls through into storage

 

Please Note:  Some construction constraints may be experienced due to shape and depth of water storages.

 

 

The CSIRO has, in a separate study, looked at “The Benefits of Shade-Cloth Covers for Potable Water Storages”. (Tech. Ref. **6), the results of which were published in February 2007 in a report under that title.  While the NCEA study was more concerned with evaporation control, cost and durability, the CSIRO report prioritised water quality. 

 

 

CHANNEL COVERS

Cover any width and length channel, using similar implementation approach to canopy cover solution

• Shade-cloth canopy supported by a high-tensile steel cable system
• Quick release connectors for easy access to channel for maintenance

More information:  NCEA sheet on Evaporation Control Project - CLICK HERE

 

EVAPOTRANSPIRATION

The term describing water loss from plants through emission of water vapour via the leaves by transpiration – can be a major form of stress for plants.

 

MICROCLIMATE ADJUSTMENT

Optimal crop production is a reality with protective netting and shade-houses.  On a broad-acre trial in the Griffith area, Rural Press reported in 2007 that up to 38% less water was required for the crops covered by a netted structure.

A Growcom “Water for Profit” trial reported a significant reduction in water usage under conventional “hail-netting”, due to a 20% reduction of plant evapotranspiration averaged over a 2-month period on the Granite Belt in Queensland in late Summer / Autumn.

More information "Growcom / Water for Profit report titled “Protective Structures – Effect on Water Use” ;(note:  this study refers to hail-net) CLICK HERE

 

More information Netpro microclimate information sheet CLICK HERE