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Improved Coloration and Higher Yields: How “Reflective PP/PE Sheet” Empowers Greenhouse Citrus Farming
Located in the scenic Izu region of Shizuoka Prefecture, Nakamiyo Citrus Farm is a family-run business with a long-standing legacy. Currently led by Mr. Yamada, a third-generation farmer, the farm manages approximately two hectares of land. They utilize a combination of greenhouse and open-field cultivation to grow a variety of citrus fruits, including Miyagawa Wase and Navel oranges.
Mr. Yamada focuses on two key pillars: trellis-style cultivation and operational labor-saving. By narrowing the space between trees to maximize yield per unit area and creatively repurposing seaweed nets to support branches, he maintains a delicate balance between efficiency and high quality.
We caught up with Mr. Yamada to discuss his experience with our “Reflective PP/PE Sheet”, which he has been using for four years. He shared his initial motivation for the purchase, his daily experience with the product, and the tangible results he has seen on his farm.
Delivering more light to greenhouse citrus: Enhancing coloration with “Reflective PP/PE Sheet”
“Reflective PP/PE Sheet” is a white, dual-purpose reflective and weed-barrier sheet engineered to maximize sunlight efficiency. Using specially developed white yarn, the sheet reflects sunlight even into the hard-to-reach parts of the tree, promoting uniform coloration and improving overall fruit quality. In addition to light reflection, it offers several practical benefits, including weed suppression, soil moisture retention, and improved work efficiency.
Q: What specific goals or effects did you have in mind when you started using the “Reflective PP/PE Sheet”?
A: “Currently, we have “Reflective PP/PE Sheet” laid down along the paths in our greenhouses. In a greenhouse environment, it’s inevitable that some areas remain in the shade. My goal was to use the reflection from below to ensure the entire tree receives enough light.
This year, I’m planning to adjust how we lay the sheets—extending them right up to the base of the trees—to utilize the reflected light even more effectively. By carefully managing irrigation and fertilizer levels to prevent excess soil moisture, I’m also aiming to boost the sugar content (Brix levels) of the citrus.”
Workability, drainage, and durability: The search for a better solution
Q: Before adopting “Reflective PP/PE Sheet”, what was your previous approach?
A:”We were already using white reflective sheets, but I wasn’t fully satisfied with the drainage, durability, or how easy they were to work with. I felt there had to be a better option out there, so I started looking for alternatives.”
To achieve the best coloration in citrus, sunlight reflection is essential. However, the materials previously used at the farm fell short in areas like moisture control and ease of handling. This gap between their high-quality standards and the performance of their old sheets is what led them to search for a more effective solution.
Boosting Yields: Realizing the Power of Reflection and Efficiency
It was in 2021 that the farm first discovered our “Reflective PP/PE Sheet”. To start, they purchased a single roll (1m x 100m) to test its performance in the field.
Q: After trying “Reflective PP/PE Sheet”, what were your first impressions?
A:”Once we laid the sheets along the greenhouse paths, I felt that the reflection worked effectively and improved the fruit’s coloration. Our yields also increased. In fact, two years ago, we recorded a harvest of 7.8 tons in a 1,000-square-meter (10a) greenhouse. Currently, we’re using the sheets for our Miyagawa Wase oranges in both our 800 and 1,000-square-meter houses, and we plan to expand them to two newly built 600-square-meter houses as well.”
“Even when I rake up fallen branches and leaves, the sheet doesn’t tear. It’s tough enough to handle being pushed around by the feet of a ladder. Even after four years of use, there’s very little staining. If it gets dirty, I can easily wash off the soil using a power sprayer at 30kg of pressure.”
In addition to the hoped-for improvements in color and yield, the owner has been highly satisfied with the product’s durability and ease of cleaning.
Pursuing both efficiency and excellence to deliver better citrus
At Nakamiyo Citrus Farm, the journey to create an ideal growing environment is a continuous process of trial, error, and daily ingenuity. By integrating “Reflective PP/PE Sheet”, Mr. Yamada has seen tangible results in both coloration and harvest yields, leading to plans for further expansion across his greenhouses.
Beyond just the results, the sheets have proven to be a perfect fit for his specific cultivation style—offering the durability and workability needed to keep operations smooth. Mr. Yamada’s challenge to “always aim for something better” continues, as he remains dedicated to producing the highest quality citrus for his customers.
Inspired by Farmers’ Creativity: Our Commitment to Better Support
Sales Representative’s Comment:
Visiting this greenhouse was a truly eye-opening experience. It was fascinating to see firsthand the ingenuity and hard work that goes into citrus cultivation.
I was deeply impressed by the growers’ constant drive for innovation—from using seaweed nets for branch support and high-density planting to maximize yield, to the creative use of ‘Reflective PP/PE Sheet’ on the side walls. Seeing such dedication to better farming is truly inspiring.
We aim to leverage these firsthand experiences to refine our proposals and better support growers.
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