At Hydroponic Systems, we work every day with growers who seek to improve the microclimate in their greenhouses without sacrificing light input or crop productivity. We know that properly managing radiation, temperature and heat stress is one of the biggest challenges today, especially in warm areas and with sensitive crops such as strawberries, tomatoes and peppers.
In this context, heat-diffusing mesh has become one of the most effective solutions for balancing light and reducing the heat load inside the greenhouse. Its ability to block some of the infrared radiation while allowing the passage of diffuse light useful for photosynthesis makes it a key tool for improving fruit quality, reducing plant stress and stabilising growing conditions.
In this article, we will explain
- How they work
- What benefits they offer over traditional screens
- What factors you should consider when choosing the right model for your production
What is a heat-diffusing mesh and why is it key in modern agriculture?
At Hydroponic Systems, we see every day how the climate inside greenhouses is becoming more difficult to control: high temperatures, excessive direct radiation, and microclimates that affect crop quality and uniformity. In this scenario, thermodiffusing mesh has become an essential tool for any producer seeking to stabilise the environment without reducing productivity.
Thermodiffusing mesh combines two fundamental functions:
- Reducing the heat load by blocking some of the infrared radiation that raises the temperature.
- Increasing diffuse light by distributing photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) more evenly over the crop.
This allows plants to maintain their photosynthetic activity, reduce heat stress, and improve fruit quality even on days with high radiation.
How diffuse light and thermal reflection technology works
The effectiveness of the heat-diffusing mesh is based on two mechanisms:
1. Diffused light
The mesh disperses light rays, preventing hot spots and allowing useful radiation to reach the entire plant evenly. This results in:
- Increased photosynthesis in middle and lower leaves.
- Fruit that is more uniform in size and colour.
- Reduced stress from direct radiation.
2. Thermal reflection
The aluminium particles incorporated into the polymer act as a partial barrier to infrared radiation, which is the main contributor to rising internal temperatures.
The result is a more stable environment, with much less aggressive heat peaks.
This dual effect makes thermodiffusing meshes ideal for hot areas, sensitive crops or greenhouses where ventilation is not sufficient to control maximum temperatures.
Real benefits of Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh
At Hydroponic Systems, we work with different types of shade cloth, but Agrifresh aluminium thermodiffuser mesh stands out for offering real, measurable benefits inside the greenhouse. It is made from a patented technical fabric that incorporates aluminium particles into the polymer, allowing it to act as an efficient thermal barrier without reducing the quality of light available for cultivation.
This technology combines heat protection, light diffusion and structural durability, and is specially designed for professional greenhouses of a certain size. In our experience, it performs most efficiently in facilities of half a hectare or more, where uniform radiation and temperature control has a direct impact on crop productivity and quality.
Reduction of heat by radiation: infrared barrier
The first benefit we observe when installing a heat-diffusing mesh with aluminium is the reduction of infrared radiation, which is responsible for the increase in temperature inside the greenhouse.
The aluminium embedded in the polymer acts as a partial reflector of these rays, which allows:
- Reduced heat accumulation at critical times.
- Prevention of temperature spikes that affect flowering and fruit set.
- Maintenance of a more stable microclimate during the day.
Increased diffuse light without losing useful photosynthesis (PAR)
One of the most important aspects of these nets is that they do not block visible light, but rather diffuse it. This means that they transform direct radiation into soft, homogeneous light, improving the distribution of PAR (photosynthetically active) radiation.
Thanks to this diffusion:
- The middle and lower leaves receive more useful light.
- The harsh shadows typical of traditional nets are avoided.
- Photosynthesis remains stable even in conditions of high external radiation.
Less heat stress and higher fruit quality
The combination of less heat and more diffused light results in plants that work with less stress. When we reduce heat stress and avoid direct radiation on leaves and fruit, we achieve:
- More uniform fruit and fewer deformities.
- Lower risk of burns or dehydration.
- Better firmness and more uniform colouring.
- Less premature drop of flowers and young fruit.
In crops such as strawberries, which are particularly sensitive to heat stress, the difference in quality is especially evident.
How heat-diffusing mesh influences horticultural crops
At Hydroponic Systems, we work with producers from different countries and climates, and we have seen how the use of heat-diffusing mesh significantly changes the behaviour of greenhouse crops.
Although the benefits are noticeable in most horticultural crops, certain products—such as strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers—respond particularly well due to their sensitivity to direct radiation and high temperatures.
Proven improvements in strawberries: uniformity, firmness and yield
Strawberries are one of the crops most sensitive to heat stress and direct radiation. For this reason, the response to heat-diffusing mesh is usually immediate.
In our field experience, a heat-diffusing net provides strawberries with:
- Greater fruit uniformity, thanks to the even distribution of light.
- Improved firmness, by reducing heat stress that softens the tissue.
- Less damage from sunburn, both on leaves and fruit exposed to direct sunlight.
- More consistent growth, as stress from temperature fluctuations is reduced.
- Better colouring, by avoiding areas of harsh shade or excessive heat.
For strawberry growers, this stability translates into higher commercial quality fruit and a more consistent production flow.
Installation of heat-diffusing mesh: best practices we recommend
At Hydroponic Systems, we always insist that heat-diffusing mesh can only offer maximum performance if it is installed correctly.
In our experience, this process is particularly important in professional greenhouses of a certain size. When working on projects covering half a hectare or more, we apply a series of best practices to ensure that the aluminium heat-diffusing mesh works efficiently and consistently throughout the production cycle.
Below, we share the recommendations we apply when assisting producers with the installation of this type of solution.
Installation height, tension and mounting direction
The height at which the mesh is installed determines how it will interact with light and air circulation.
In our experience:
- In tunnels and macro-tunnels, the mesh must fit the curvature without leaving air pockets or deformations.
- In tall greenhouses, it should be installed at a sufficient height to diffuse light without creating harsh shadows on the crop.
The tension of the material is also key. Poorly tensioned mesh can:
- Vibrate in the wind, reducing its useful life.
- Form wrinkles that create unwanted shaded areas.
- Lose uniformity in light diffusion.
As for the direction of installation, we always orient the mesh so that:
- The structure supports its own weight without deforming.
- The correct alignment of the fabric is maintained to ensure homogeneous diffusion.
- The integrated aluminium acts as an unobstructed thermal barrier.
Integration with side and zenith ventilation
The heat-diffusing mesh does not replace greenhouse ventilation: it works alongside it.
Therefore, when installing it, we analyse how it integrates with:
Side ventilation
- It must allow air flow without creating unnecessary resistance.
- It must not interfere with the full opening of the side strips.
Overhead ventilation
- It is important that the mesh does not block the hot air extraction area.
- The installation must respect the wind path and natural convection.
A poorly positioned mesh can hinder the escape of hot air, reducing its thermodiffusion effect. That is why we always give priority to maintaining smooth, unobstructed air circulation.
Our experience implementing Agrifresh thermodiffuser screens
At Hydroponic Systems, we have been working for years with growers who seek to improve climate control in their greenhouses without compromising light quality or crop yield.
During this time, we have implemented Agrifresh thermal diffusion screens in different regions and production systems, and we have observed how they help stabilise the microclimate, improve crop uniformity and reduce problems associated with excess radiation.
Thanks to their aluminium particle composition and technical fabric, these screens act as a natural thermal regulator that does not sacrifice photosynthesis. This makes them a valuable tool for crops that are sensitive to direct light and heat stress.
Real-life cases in strawberry and vegetable growerss
We have worked with growers of strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other horticultural crops who deal with peaks in radiation and excessive temperatures inside the greenhouse.
In these projects, we have seen that Agrifresh thermodiffusing screens provide immediate benefits:
- They improve light uniformity in the plant canopy.
- They reduce the incidence of burnt leaves and fruit affected by direct radiation.
- They promote the development of more balanced plants, even in hot periods.
- They help maintain greater growth stability in cycles of high light demand.
In strawberry crops, which are particularly sensitive to heat, the change in fruit quality and crop stability is usually evident from the first few weeks.
Measurable results: temperature reduction, uniformity and productivity
Although exact results vary depending on greenhouse structure, climate and crop variety, we have seen consistent patterns when installing these screens:
- Fewer sudden temperature variations, especially during peak radiation hours.
- Greater diffuse light, allowing middle and lower leaves to contribute more to photosynthesis.
- More uniform fruit in size, colour, and firmness.
- Reduced heat stress, resulting in more active and productive plants.
These effects combine to improve commercial quality and increase yield stability, especially in crops that tend to suffer from direct radiation.
Final recommendations for producers and technicians
Over the years, we have found that a heat-diffusing mesh makes a difference in microclimate stability and crop quality. However, to obtain maximum performance, it is essential to correctly assess the greenhouse, the available radiation, and the needs of each crop.
That is why, whenever we work with a producer, we start with a technical analysis that allows us to recommend the most effective solution for their specific production situation.
Below, we share a set of practical recommendations that we have refined after multiple installations.
Checklist for choosing your thermodiffuser mesh
Before deciding which mesh to install, we recommend reviewing the following points:
- Local climate and time of year: radiation intensity, maximum temperatures and hours of daylight.
- Type of crop: heat sensitivity, need for diffused light, fruit firmness and varietal behaviour.
- Greenhouse structure: tunnel, macro-tunnel or multi-span; height; orientation and available ventilation.
- Level of shade required according to the grower’s objectives (temperature control, quality improvement, reduction of burns).
- Presence of aluminium in the polymer, essential for blocking part of the infrared radiation.
- Fabric quality: weight, mechanical resistance and UV stability.
- Expected durability and maintenance frequency.
- Compatibility with other climate control systems installed in the greenhouse.
- Investment cost vs. projected benefit, according to the commercial value of the crop.
This checklist helps to objectively identify the best option for each production system and avoid purchases based solely on price or percentage of shade.
Optimise your greenhouse climate with professional solutions
At Hydroponic Systems, we believe that good climate management starts with informed decisions. Choosing a thermal diffusion screen not only influences the temperature of the greenhouse, but also the uniformity of the crop, the quality of the fruit and the efficiency of the system throughout the cycle.
If you are considering installing this type of solution or want to understand which option is best suited to your greenhouse, we are here to help. Our technical team can analyse your situation, study radiation levels and recommend the configuration that will allow you to work with a more stable and productive microclimate.
These solutions are particularly suitable for professional greenhouses of half a hectare or more, where precise radiation and temperature management has a direct impact on crop yield. If this is your case, we can help you define the best configuration for your project.
We are ready to accompany you in improving your greenhouse climate from day one.
