Windbreak
Even if the wind doesn’t topple the trees, the damage it can cause to leaves, stems, and fruits can lead to reduced harvests. To prevent production losses caused by this phenomenon, various techniques have been implemented, including the installation of windbreaks or barriers.
The windbreak barrier should be installed perpendicular to the direction of prevailing winds, taking into account their strength, direction, and frequency patterns. The height of the windbreak is a factor that should always be considered, usually manufactured to be 4 to 5 meters tall.
A standard windbreak consists of:
- Galvanized steel tubes embedded in the ground to ensure the structure’s firmness.
- Steel cables to connect the tubes.
- Monofilament mesh made from high-density polyethylene threads.
- Simple torsion mesh (optional), also known as diamond mesh, to protect the entrance to the plot from people or animals.
Benefits of using windbreaks:
- Act as a physical barrier against the negative impacts of the wind:
- Reducing damage and losses in flowering and fruit setting.
- Preventing damage and scars caused by the wind, which can lead to future fungal and bacterial infections and subsequent diseases.
- Minimizing tree stress by decreasing wind force.
- Prevent the entry and spread of pests carried by the wind.
- Reduce environmental salinity.
- Limit crop evapotranspiration, creating a microclimate.
- Promote insect pollination activity by reducing wind gusts.
