Shade Cloth Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of on-Farm Reservoir Management Techniques and Their Effect on Filtering Requirements for Irrigation

This study identifies and quantifies the operational advantages of covering agricultural water reservoirs (AWRs) for irrigation by means of Suspended Shade Cloth Covers (SSCCs) in comparison with other traditional management practices: Casual Chemical Treatment (CCT) and Systematic Chemical Treatment (SCT). The operational advantages, including the cost-effectiveness, were analysed by carrying out filtering trials at ten sites in south-eastern Spain, where the effect of each technique on algae presence and filtering requirements for microirrigation was evaluated. The results evidenced that AWR management can significantly affect the quality of stored water, with SSCC being the most effective practice in controlling algae presence. Filtering trials corroborated the extraordinary performance of SSCCs since they presented much higher volumes of treated water until filter saturation, two and three orders of magnitude higher than the CCT and SCT management practices, respectively. This result would imply a total annual reduction in operational costs due to the SSCC installation ranging from 359.6 to 598.0 € y−1 when comparing with the CCT, and of 403.2 € y−1 in the case of SCT. Therefore the effect on filtering requirements is an essential consideration in the SSCCs cost-effectiveness assessment.

Effect of shade materials on microclimate of crossbred calves during summer

Aim: The present study was carried out on cattle and buffalo farm of Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (Uttar Pradesh) to determine the effect of different shade materials on physiological performance in Vrindavani crossbred calves during the summer. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight crossbred calves were divided into four groups viz. Thatch shading roof (T1), agro-net shading roof 60 % light diffusion (T2), asbestos with canvas shading roof (T3) and well-grown tree (T4). The recording of macro and micro climate as well as the physiological parameters viz. rectal temperature and respiration rate were recorded at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM for 2 consecutive days at every fortnight interval. Result: The microclimate viz. maximum and minimum, relative humidity, temperature humidity index and surface temperature of the roof was lower in T2 group in the summer season. The physiological responses viz. rectal temperature and respiration rate was significantly higher in T4. Conclusion: During the summer season both thatch and agro-net shade material helped in better relieving the summer stress.

Jacquard Technical Research of the Three Layers Jacquard Curtain Fabric with UV-Shading Function and Two-Sides-Different Effects

In order to achieve the sided different effects and the function of UV shading of the three layers jacquard curtain fabric, we used two sets of the same common yarns as the warps, 2 groups of wefts in the front while 2 groups of wefts in the opposite and a group of TiO2 polyester weft which plays the role of UV-shading. The fabric’s wefts arrangement ratio is 1:1:1:1:1. There are four kinds of weaves in the front and five in the opposite (seeing from the reverse side), then in overlaying the four kinds in the front with the five kinds in the opposite we can get 20 kinds of weaves. By integrating shading cloth and curtains with two-sides-different effects together, in the end, the three layers jacquard curtain fabric which has two-sides-different effects and UV-shading function is achieved.

Growth and development of ‘Illini Hardy’ blackberry (Rubus subgenus Eubatus Focke) under shaded systems

Blackberries (Rubus subgenus Eubatus Focke) of the Eastern United States commonly grow along forest edges and in disturbed sites, though the potential for introducing improved cultivars into managed forest systems has been little explored in agroforestry literature. Bare root ‘Illini Hardy’ blackberry plants were grown under three neutral shade cloth levels (20, 50, and 70 % irradiance relative to full sunlight) and a full sun control in an orchard system over one growing season. The plants were then excavated from the shade plots and the floricanes forced to fruit in a heated greenhouse after receiving a chilling treatment consistent with data published about the cultivar. Potential yield reflected by primocane yield components was only marginally affected by the light treatments, with no significant differences in primocane counts, cane length, or the numbers of nodes. Cane diameter and attributes of primocane architecture were significant, affecting crown geometries and resulting in the highest percent light interception among plants grown at 70 % relative irradiance. Maximum net photosynthesis rates increased at higher irradiance levels with little increase above 70 % full sunlight, although no differences were observed in whole plant biomass or biomass allocation. Flowering and harvest periods were more concentrated from plants receiving 70–100 % relative irradiance during flower initiation. These results suggest that vegetative phases of ‘Illini Hardy’ blackberry may benefit from partial shading with an optimum light intensity approximating 70 % of full sunlight, but that floral bud differentiation is delayed or incomplete at lower irradiance levels produced by whole canopy or intracane shading.

Improving survival and growth of planted Austrocedrus chilensis seedlings in disturbed patagonian forests of Argentina by managing understory vegetation.

This study was aimed at determining, under field conditions, early interactions between planted cypress seedlings and their associated shrubs in a mesic area of Andean Patagonia and, in a nursery, the effects of increasing light availability on cypress performance when soil water was not a limiting factor. The field experiment was performed in a former cypress-coihue mixed forest (42°02'S, 71°33'W), which was replaced in the 1970s by a plantation of radiata pine. In 2005, 800 cypress seedlings were planted under maqui shrubs in a clear-cut area of the pine stand. In 2007, two treatments were set: no-competition treatment ([NCT] i.e., the surrounding aboveground biomass was removed) and competition treatment ([CT] i.e., without disturbance). The nursery experiment (42°55'S, 71°21'W) consisted of two groups: "shade" (grown under shade cloth) and "sun" (grown at full sun) cypress seedlings. After one growing season, seedling survival and stem growth (in height and diameter) were determined at both sites. Furthermore, the growth rate of leaves, stems, and roots was determined in the nursery. In the field experiment, height growth and survival in NCT were significantly greater than in CT, and a competition process occurred between cypress and surrounding shrubs. In the nursery, sun plants grew more in diameter and increased root weight more than shade plants. Results also showed that in mesic areas of Patagonia, decreasing competition and increasing light levels produced stouter seedlings better adapted to support harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, the removal of protecting shrubs could be a good management practice to improve seedling establishment.

Productivity under Shade and Different Nutrient Solution of Hydroponic Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.)

Commercialization of watercress in the Sierra Norte mountain range in Oaxaca, Mexico principally relies on harvesting plants growing on riverbanks; however, semi-intensive cultivation throughout the year could be established as an alternative for the region. With this as an objective, the present study was carried out using the laminar flow of nutrients technique to evaluate four solutions of different macronutrients and four shade percentages. Treatment distribution was formulated according to a bifactorial arrangement. Four harvest periods were employed, in April, June, September, and November of 2010. Yields and vegetative growth of watercress decreased linearly with increasing shade levels. The best results were obtained with a nutrient solution using an electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.90 dS m−1. Shade cloth percentages higher than 10% caused a significant decrease in total cycle production; the use of shade cloth is not recommended during seasons with low incident radiation.

Effect of Height and Type of Nursery Shade on Vigor of Big Red Chili (Capsicum Annum L.)

Aim of this experiment was to study the effect of highness and type of shade material within interaction between highness and types of shade material nurserytowards big red chili vigor (C. annum L.). This research was conducted on February-March 2012 district Turirejo, Cangkringmalang, Beji, Pasuruan denan with the highness of 9 m dpl, pH 5-6, temperature at 30oC, rainfall 420 mL/tahun. This research was design by factorial in Randomized Block Design (RBD), which were run triplicate. The first factor were shade 65, 95 dan 125 cm and the second factor were the type of plastic nursery shade material, paranet and (plastic + paranet). The data showed that was interaction between highness and types of shade material nurseryon parameter of highness, cotyledons emergence time, length of leaf, amount of leaf, diameter rod, the number of nodes grows and plant fresh weight. The combined height 65cm shade and shade types of materials (plastics + paranet) was the best treatment while it was not significantly different to the other treatments.

Biotic and Abiotic Constraints on the Decomposition of Fagus sylvatica Leaf Litter Along an Altitudinal Gradient in Contrasting Land-Use Types

Climate change can affect the process of carbon cycling and leaf litter decomposition in multiple ways, both directly and indirectly, though the strength and direction of this relationship is often context dependent. In this experiment, we followed decomposition of a standard litter type—senescent leaves of Fagus sylvatica collected from a single location—along a 1000 m altitudinal gradient of four sites over 2.5 years. To control the edaphic conditions, we transplanted intact turf mesocosms from three different land-use types [densely wooded, sparsely wooded, and unwooded (UW) pastures] from the highest altitude site into UW pastures along the altitudinal gradient from the moist, cool high-elevation site to the dry, warm low-elevation site, using shade cloth to mimic the light conditions in the original habitats. Decomposition in the drier UW pasture mesocosms increased with altitude, likely because of higher moisture at the highest sites. Decomposition in the more mesic mesocosms from sparsely and densely wooded sites was insensitive to altitude, suggesting an overriding moisture, rather than temperature, constraint on decomposition across these sites. The functional composition of decomposer microbial communities (fungal/bacterial ratio) was similarly insensitive to altitude. Our findings bring substantial evidence for the controlling role of soil moisture on litter decomposition, as well as for the indirect effects of climate through changes in the decomposer community.

Observation of X-ray shadings in synchrotron radiation-total reflection X-ray fluorescence using a color X-ray camera

Absorption effects and the impact of specimen shape on TXRF analysis has been discussed intensively. Model calculations indicated that ring shaped specimens should give better results in terms of higher counts per mass signals than filled rectangle or circle shaped specimens. One major reason for the difference in signal is shading effects. Full field micro-XRF with a color X-ray camera (CXC) was used to investigate shading, which occurs when working with small angles of excitation as in TXRF. The device allows monitoring the illuminated parts of the sample and the shaded parts at the same time. It is expected that sample material hit first by the primary beam shade material behind it. Using the CXC shading could be directly visualized for the high concentration specimens.In order to compare the experimental results with calculation of the shading effect the generation of controlled specimens is crucial. This was achieved by “drop on demand” technology. It allows generating uniform, microscopic deposits of elements. The experimentally measured shadings match well with those expected from calculation.

The SLICK hair locus derived from Senepol cattle confers thermotolerance to intensively managed lactating Holstein cows

The SLICK haplotype (http://omia.angis.org.au/OMIA001372/9913/) in cattle confers animals with a short and sleek hair coat. Originally identified in Senepol cattle, the gene has been introduced into Holsteins. The objectives of the current study were to determine (1) whether lactating Holsteins with the slick hair phenotype have superior ability for thermoregulation compared with wild-type cows or relatives not inheriting the SLICK haplotype, and (2) whether seasonal depression in milk yield would be reduced in SLICK cows. In experiment 1, diurnal variation in vaginal temperature in the summer was monitored for cows housed in a freestall barn with fans and sprinklers. Vaginal temperatures were lower in slick-haired cows than in relatives and wild-type cows. In experiment 2, acute responses to heat stress were monitored after cows were moved to a dry lot in which the only heat abatement was shade cloth. The increases in rectal temperature and respiration rate caused by heat stress during the day were lower for slick cows than for relatives or wild-type cows. Moreover, sweating rate was higher for slick cows than for cows of the other 2 types. In experiment 3, effects of season of calving (summer vs. winter) on milk yield and composition were determined. Compared with milk yield of cows calving in winter, milk yield during the first 90 d in milk was lower for cows calving in the summer. However, this reduction was less pronounced for slick cows than for wild-type cows. In conclusion, Holsteins with slick hair have superior thermoregulatory ability compared with non-slick animals and experience a less drastic depression in milk yield during the summer.

Photosynthesis, vegetative habit and culinary properties of sage (Salvia officinalis) in response to low-light conditions

Mapes, C. and Xu, Y. 2014. Photosynthesis, vegetative habit and culinary properties of sage (Salvia officinalis) in response to low-light conditions. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 881–889. Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) is known to grow better at sunny locations with good drainage. However, when there is a necessity to propagate it in controlled environments with minimal additional lighting, or at shady locations, how significantly its growth and production would be restricted has not been well investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the responses of sage grown in a greenhouse over the winter when ambient light in the greenhouse is lower than 212 μmol m−2 s−1 (or a daily light integral of 9.2 mol m−2 d−1). Sage seedlings were planted in growing media and covered with various shade cloths to reach 70, 50 and 30% of the ambient irradiance. Photochemical efficiency and in situ chlorophyll status were estimated at 7, 21, and 56 d. The daily leaf emergence rate was calculated by monitoring changes in leaf number. Plant height, leaf size, biomass, aroma rating and soluble protein content of the sage plants grown under various light levels were measured at 84 d. The results indicate that light impacted the integrity of chloroplasts and the photosynthetic capacity of sage plants, as manifested by the lower the light level, the more the declines in variable fluorescence/maximal fluorescence and chlorophyll content index. Biochemical analysis revealed that the concentration of chlorophyll (per gram leaf dry mass) slightly increased under 50 and 30% light, but that of carotenoids was not changed. Light also affected the vegetative habit of sage plants. With reduced light intensity, plant height increased, whereas leaf size and number decreased. Double-blind aroma testing suggested that adequate light intesity might be required for the biosynthesis of essential oil in sage, attenuating its aroma. The soluble protein content in sage leaves declined at 50 and 30% light, suggesting a deminished source of essential amino acids contained in the plant. In summary, sage responds sensitively to reducing irradiance, which directly restricts its photosynthesis, and thus alters its vegetative growth and culinary properties.

Evaluating changes in switchgrass physiology, biomass, and light-use efficiency under artificial shade to estimate yields if intercropped with Pinus taeda L.

There is growing interest in using switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a biofuel intercrop in forestry systems. However, there are limited data on the longevity of intercropped bioenergy crops, particularly with respect to light availability as the overstory tree canopy matures. Therefore, we conducted a greenhouse study to determine the effects of shading on switchgrass growth. Four treatments, each with different photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) levels, were investigated inside the greenhouse: control (no shade cloth, 49 % of full sunlight), low (under 36 % shade cloth), medium (under 52 % shade cloth), and heavy shade (under 78 % shade cloth). We determined the effect of shading from March to October 2011 on individually potted, multi-tillered switchgrass transplants cut to a stubble height of 10 cm. In the greenhouse, there was a reduction in tiller number, tiller height, gas exchange rates (photosynthesis and stomatal conductance), leaf area, above- and belowground biomass and light-use efficiency with increasing shade. Total (above- and belowground) biomass in the control measured 374 ± 22 compared to 9 ± 2 g pot−1 under heavy shade (11 % of full sunlight). Corresponding light-use efficiencies were 3.7 ± 0.2 and 1.4 ± 0.2 g MJ−1, respectively. We also compared PAR levels and associated aboveground switchgrass biomass from inside the greenhouse to PAR levels in the inter-row regions of a range of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands from across the southeastern United States (U.S.) to estimate when light may limit the growth of intercropped species under field conditions. Results from the light environment of loblolly pine plantations in the field suggest that switchgrass biomass will be significantly reduced at a loblolly pine leaf area index between 1.95 and 2.25, which occurs on average between ages 6 and 8 years across the U.S. Southeast in intensively managed pine plantations. These leaf area indices correspond to a 60–65 % reduction in PAR from open sky.

The Effects of Different Depth of Floor towards Internal Daylighting and Rules of Thumb for Office Room

Rules of thumb in daylighting have been expressed in a variety of modes in architectural. It can be divided into categories based on the parameters which constitute them. One of the categories is floor depth. This paper presents the impact of different floor depth on daylighting performance of the simulated office room using 1 meter shading device. Several parameters such as shading device, ceiling height, and material reflectance have been appointed. Overcast sky was chosen as tropical-compatible sky types. Models then were simulated and analyzed using an application of IES_VE software called RADIANCE. Existing daylighting rules of thumb has been modified and thus create new formula for Kuala Lumpur sky based on the smallest academic office room in public university.

Design and Implementation of Intelligent Control System in Rice Seedlings Factory

Rice is an important food crop in the world, which provides a strong guarantee for our country's food security strategy policy. As one of the major rice producing areas, the degree of mechanization of rice cultivation is not high, especially in rice seedling, there is not a high degree of automation, a lot of manpower and resources are consumed, it is not suitable for factory work. Based on this, Rice seedlings factory intelligent control system has been researched on the paper. The system can automatically capture the growth of rice seedlings light intensity, temperature etc, and numerical analysis. The indoor self-propelled sprinklers, ventilation and heating systems, carbon dioxide generator and an outdoor shade cloth of the device operation are controlled based on established data. In order to achieve optimal conditions for the growth of rice seedlings, seedlings for large-scale factory, improve efficiency and cost savings.

Sexual Dimorphism of Staminate- and Pistillate-Phase Flowers of Saponaria officinalis (Bouncing Bet) Affects Pollinator Behavior and Seed Set

The sequential separation of male and female function in flowers of dichogamous species allows for the evolution of differing morphologies that maximize fitness through seed siring and seed set. We examined staminate- and pistillate-phase flowers of protandrous Saponaria officinalis for dimorphism in floral traits and their effects on pollinator attraction and seed set. Pistillate-phase flowers have larger petals, greater mass, and are pinker in color, but due to a shape change, pistillate-phase flowers have smaller corolla diameters than staminate-phase flowers. There was no difference in nectar volume or sugar content one day after anthesis, and minimal evidence for UV nectar guide patterns in staminate- and pistillate-phase flowers. When presented with choice arrays, pollinators discriminated against pistillate-phase flowers based on their pink color. Finally, in an experimental garden, in 2012 there was a negative correlation between seed set of an open-pollinated, emasculated flower and pinkness (as measured by reflectance spectrometry) of a pistillate-phase flower on the same plant in plots covered with shade cloth. In 2013, clones of genotypes chosen from the 2012 plants that produced pinker flowers had lower seed set than those from genotypes with paler flowers. Lower seed set of pink genotypes was found in open-pollinated and hand-pollinated flowers, indicating the lower seed set might be due to other differences between pink and pale genotypes in addition to pollinator discrimination against pink flowers. In conclusion, staminate- and pistillate-phase flowers of S. officinalis are dimorphic in shape and color. Pollinators discriminate among flowers based on these differences, and individuals whose pistillate-phase flowers are most different in color from their staminate-phase flowers make fewer seeds. We suggest morphological studies of the two sex phases in dichogamous, hermaphroditic species can contribute to understanding the evolution of sexual dimorphism in plants without the confounding effects of genetic differences between separate male and female individuals.

Photosynthesis, vegetative habit and culinary properties of sage (Salvia officinalis) in response to low-light conditions

Mapes, C. and Xu, Y. 2014. Photosynthesis, vegetative habit and culinary properties of sage (Salvia officinalis) in response to low-light conditions. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 881-889. Culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) is known to grow better at sunny locations with good drainage. However, when there is a necessity to propagate it in controlled environments with minimal additional lighting, or at shady locations, how significantly its growth and production would be restricted has not been well investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the responses of sage grown in a greenhouse over the winter when ambient light in the greenhouse is lower than 212 µmol m-2 s-1 (or a daily light integral of 9.2 mol m-2 d-1). Sage seedlings were planted in growing media and covered with various shade cloths to reach 70, 50 and 30% of the ambient irradiance. Photochemical efficiency and in situ chlorophyll status were estimated at 7, 21, and 56 d. The daily leaf emergence rate was calculated by monitoring change...

Assessing photosynthetic biomarkers in lichen transplants exposed under different light regimes

The present work is a methodological study testing alternative exposure conditions of lichen transplants for biomonitoring studies. We evaluated the effects of different light regime on the vitality of lichen by analysing the photosynthetic efficiency of transplanted thalli of the fruticose species Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf. var. furfuracea. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that shading lichen transplants is necessary to ensure sufficient lichen vitality during the exposure time. Thalli of P. furfuracea were exposed in a polluted area within the harbour of Genoa (N-Italy) for 4 weeks under two experimental conditions: 5 thalli were covered with a shade cloth, whereas 5 thalli were kept in the light. We showed that, under the same environmental conditions (i.e., climate and pollution regime), shading the thalli minimised the photoinhibition and prolonged the vitality of the lichen. Thus, we recommend shading lichen transplants during biomonitoring surveys to better detect the effects of pollution on the lichens.

Effects of Ultraviolet-B Radiation on Woundfin Embryos and Larvae with Application to Conservation Propagation

Abstract Endangered woundfin Plagopterus argentissimus embryos and larvae were exposed to artificial ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation to directly examine the effects on mortality. The experiment was part of a project assisting the Virgin River Resource Management and Recovery Program's efforts to increase hatchery production of this endangered fish. The UV-B radiation used in this experiment was administered in treatments of 0.060, 0.030, and 0.015 mW/cm2 to simulate 100, 50, and 25% of the ambient irradiance levels documented in outdoor tanks and living streams at Bubbling Ponds State Fish Hatchery, in Arizona. Embryos and larvae were exposed for 14.5 h followed by 9.5 h of darkness, in correspondence with the daylight hours at Bubbling Ponds. No embryos survived UV-B treatments; mortality among control (UV-B–free) treatments varied (5–100%) among females, indicating that there may be important parental effects that influence embryo mortality. Larval mortality was also 100% for individuals exposed to any of the three UV-B treatments. In contrast to embryo trials, larval mortality in UV-B–free treatments approached 20% for 2-d-old larvae. These experiments provide evidence that woundfin embryos and larvae are sensitive to even low levels of UV-B when exposed for 14.5 h. Susceptibility of larvae to UV-B also appears to be a function of age at exposure, with older larvae exhibiting significantly lower levels of mortality during the initial days of exposure. Experiments with UV-B mitigation strategies indicated that shade cloth, Aquashade®, and elevated dissolved organic carbon can aid in the attenuation of UV-B, and these strategies may assist hatchery managers in implementing UV-B mitigation measures during periods when woundfin are most susceptible.

Tillering Responses to High Red/ Far-Red Ratio of Four Japanese Wheat Cultivars

The effect of high red/ far-red ratio (R/FR) on tillering in wheat and its cultivar differences were investigated with a pot experiment. Four Japanese wheat cultivars with a different degree of winter habit: Abukumawase, Sanukinoyume 2000, Norin 61 and Iwainodaichi, were grown under the tunnels with different R/FR conditions: one tunnel covered with a light control film which attenuates irradiance in the far red range (high R/FR) and the other with a transparent polyethylene film with a white shading cloth (control). The high R/FR treatment increased R/FR by 25%, and slightly decreased air temperature. The low temperature in high R/FR had some effect on the time of the developmental stage; however, physiological responses to high R/FR and its cultivar differences were observed. Tillering dynamics was quantified and analyzed based on phyllochron, site-filling and the time of cessation of tillering. The high R/FR significantly delayed the time in calendar days of full expansion of flag leaf and anthesis, but the effect of treatment was not significant in growing degree days. The high R/FR had no significant effect on the phyllochron and the maximum number of leaves on the main stem. The maximum number of tillers per plant was significantly increased and the cessation of tillering was significantly delayed by the high R/FR in all cultivars. In conclusion, the increase in the number of tillers in the high R/FR was attributed mainly to the delay of the cessation of tiller emergence, along with the significant increase in rate of tillering in some cultivars.

E-2-5 ECRプラズマエッチングに対する真空UVキュアレジストのプラズマ耐性の評価

Generally, chrome thin film is used for shading material of a photo mask. Pattern precision of the chrome mask is unstable in chrome wet etching, and process cost and environmental risk increase in chrome dry etching using chlorine gas. In this study, we investigate dry etching method using non-chlorine gas for the Cr mask patterning. Etch selectively between Cr thin film and protective resist treated by vacuum UV cure method were measured in electron cyclotron resonance plasma etching using Ar gas as inert gas.