Windbreaks are plastic meshes, held in place by a framework of wires that are in turn attached to metal or wooden posts anchored to the ground.
The main purpose of windbreaks is to protect the crop from the damaging effects of wind that can cause: uprooted flowers, broken branches, excessive transpiration, evaporation and soil erosion.
How to install a windbreak net?
They should be installed perpendicular to the direction of the prevailing winds.
Height of the installation: The ideal height for installation will depend on the height of the crop to be protected and the wind strength in the area. Grape plantations, for example, are over 2.5 meters high, and it is advisable to place the barriers at a height of about 4 meters, depending on the strength of the wind.
Distance between curtains: The distance between curtains should be 10 times the height of the curtain for areas with moderate wind up to 30 km/hour. For example, a 4 meter high curtain should have the windbreak meshes spaced every 40 meters. In windy areas, a distance of 8 times the height is recommended, so it will be more protected.
Support and fastening: Posts with a minimum diameter of 10 cm would be the most suitable option, taking care of the distance between them which would range between 5/6 meters. As for the pole diameter, an increase of 10% would mean an increase in wind resistance of 33%. Between the posts, a 3 mm three-strand twisted wire in the form of a cross is stretched to withstand a tensile force of 2,000 kg. In case of strong winds it would be advisable to extend a wire horizontally. For areas of lower tension, a 2.5 mm wire would be sufficient. It would be advisable to leave a distance of approximately 15 cm between the ground level and the lower wire. The depth at which the posts should be driven into the ground will be established according to the height of the windbreak and should not be less than 1 m. The holes should be made by hand so that they are no larger than 60 cm in diameter. It is recommended to cover them with dry soil and not with concrete because, as it is rigid, it would break more easily at the base. It is also not advisable to cover it with damp soil because when it dries, the post will be loose.
