TenCate Nicolon® Growing nets

Over the years several systems have been developed for growing , but the most popular is the shelving system. The reason for this is an increase in production demand, elimination of disease outbreaks as well as care for the health and safety of employees.

But using a shelving is not enough. Another equally important area are the growing nets.

The right choice of growing nets can extend the lifetime and will prevent problems like shrinking nets and compost falling from the shelves.

Polyethylene nets are the best solution.

Nets are made of synthetic monofil yarns, it means that no dirt or compost can attach to the yarns. Also, cleaning will be easier and therefor the level of hygiene will be higher.

They are available in standard widths of 1.25, 1.37, 1.42, 1.45, 1.49, 1.58, 1.66 and 1.70 metres.

All over the world, different types of materials are used to produce of growing nets.

The most popular used materials are polypropylene tape, Nylon multi and polyethylene mono.

Only TenCate nets stand out:

• Strength
• Air flow
• Hygiene
• Narrowing effect
• Shrinkage
• Chemical resistance

Summarizing all the properties, it should be stated that polyethylene growing nets are the best solution for mushroom cultivation.

Cleaning of TenCate Nicolon® growing nets serves many goals like increased hygiene, preventing diseases, increased lifespan,etc.

Here are a few suggestions on how and with what to clean the nets

• By spraying nets  with a large amount of water, without any detergents
• using machines with spray pressure (< 10 bar),
• Use a flat spray nozzle, never a rotating or even nozzle
• Make sure that the pressure and water can flow away ( free hanging of the net)
• Keep enough distance between the nozzle and the net (at least 25 cm).

Here are some tips on how to extend the life of your nets and prevent problems such as tearing:

• Start the pulling operation slowly to give the net the opportunity to stretch slowly. Keep on pulling on low speed until the total load is moving. If the load is moving the pulling can be speeded up to the maximum capacity the system will allow.
• During the pulling operation try to avoid the pulling is discontinued. Mind that every new start has to be started slowly as described under the previous point. The highest strength is required from the net during this phase in the pulling operation.
• Clean the nets after every pull. Be careful cleaning with a high pressure cleaner, because this type of cleaning can damage the yarn and reduce the pulling strength.
• Inspect the nets after every pull to check if there is no mechanical damage that can tear the nets.
• Most growing nets can only be used at a temperature around 20–25°C. Pulling at higher temperatures will reduce the pulling strength. E.g. pulling at 50°C will reduce the pulling strength with approx. 40%. Some stronger growing nets made out of a special yarn can be pulled at a higher temperature. Make sure you know which type of net you are using.
• If the growing unit is cooked out the net must be removed. If the nets are heated up without compost on top, the net will shrink.
• If the nets are slightly damaged during the process it is helpful to seal the tears with a hot knife or lighter

• polyethylene nets are made of synthetic monofilament PE yarns
• PE fibers prevent dirt from sticking to the yarn, which facilitates cleaning and a higher level of hygiene
• woven edge protects the mat from tearing or other damage
• the fibers used result in minimal narrowing and shrinkage, increasing the mat’s lifespan
• available widths: 1,25, 1,37, 1,42, 1,45, 1,49, 1,58, 1,66, 1,70 mb
• max. pulling weight per meter of width: 8500 kg
• loading temperature: 25°C
• average narrowing: 3%
• weight: 345g/m2
• colour: black