Vineyards

Otco Complete Net Cover for larger vineyards

Otco throw over netting has a reinforced edge zone that can be used to join the nets overhead to form a complete cover with the net only going to the ground at the edges of the block. One big advantage for wine grape growers is improved access, vines can be sprayed while the nets are on using this system.-see photos below-. It is also used for for crops such as blueberries and table grapes where multiple pickings are spread over a few weeks.

Some advantages of this system are:

1. Saving in Net Costs. As the net only goes to the ground at the edges of the block all the net that is usually draped down the sides of the vines is saved. This saving can be up to 50% if single row netting is the alternative.

2. Improved Access. Tractors and spray equipment are fitted with poly pipe hoops, which raise the net as the equipment drives down the row. If the driver raises the ends of the net before spraying begins, this operation remains a one man job.

3. Pickers can harvest the crop under the nets. In low growing bush crops such as blueberries it is necessary to string wires at a convenien height above each row to support the nets. In trellised crops like grapes the foliage itself can support the net.

 

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Joining the Net.

Otco net has a 700mm reinforced edge zone for strength where it is needed at the join. At three meter row spacings a 17 meter wide net will cover five rows, and an 11 meter net three rows, - one row less at the edges of the bolock-. Vineyards with a detachable top foliage wire can use it as a joining wire, others may need to string an extra pair of wires to join the net.

The net is joined as follows:

1. The double wire, or top foliage wire, to be used to join the net panels is unclipped along the length of the joining row.

2. The net is draped over the vines from the center row of the three or five row coverage.

3. The nets 700mm reinforced edge is placed over its joining wire.

4. The wire is clipped back onto its posts.

5. The same procedure is repeated with the adjoining net. With both reinforced edges behind their joining wires, the net and two wires are held together with cable ties.

This procedure is repeated accross the orchard, completly enclosing the crop.

Access for maintenance and spraying is with tractors fitted with poly pipe hoops to raise the net. The following images show how this is done.

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