An interesting question was raised on the internet, what is a net wrap? Many article sources discuss this topic. Related to agriculture, this finishing tool in wrapping animal fodder steals attention from the farmers. Net wrap is an agricultural component that is known as end fodder packaging. How important is this component?
Very important. But most people only focus on the fodder-making process and regardless of the existence of this shield. This tool is related to fodder quality too. This tool takes part in the storage and decides the fodder nutrient content when it is opened and ready to serve to the livestock.
Contents
Knowledge About Net Wrap
Instead of answering what net wrap is, in this session, a broader knowledge about net wrap will be explained.
· The Strength
There is an old saying, “the thicker is, the stronger.” This saying might be right for some things but not for net wrap. With the up-to-date technology and the newest manufacturing, net wrap material is lighter but stronger. This lighter material doesn’t completely erase the old net wrap material. There are still many kinds of net wraps with different materials. However, the lighter one hits the top and reaches the peak of popularity. A roll of this fodder shield weighs less, so it saves the energy in moving. The works can be done faster and also saves so much money.
· Applicating The Net Wrap
There is a common mistake done in wrapping the fodder with net wrap. Many bales are with lumps in the middle. That lump is the result of wrapping the bale before the bale is completely done in the pressing process. It increases the bale diameter and space consumption. To avoid making this lump on a bale, make sure the pressing process is done. Then, the baling process can be started on the surface of the bale. Wrap the pressed fodder not only with one layer but at least 3 layers to lock the fodder well.
The lump is not only a result of wrapping the bale before the pressing process is done but also overload fodder. By examining this, it is important not to press too much fodder in one bale. A proportional amount is a must. The bale with a lump/non-proportional weight has a big risk to be burst open. The last disadvantage of the non-proportional shape and weight of bale is the transfer process can be disturbed.
Still around answering what is a net wrap, here is how to wrap. To make a perfect wrapping that is strong and well-shaped, there are recommendations on the wrap layer amount. It is divided according to the kind of fodder. For straw with 1.8 meters of diameter, the suggested layer is 4.
For hay with 1.5 meters of diameter, it is wrapped with net wrap at least 3.5 layers. For silage with 1.2 meters of diameter, the layer is 2.5 layers. Those recommendations are the minimal amount of layer. You have to comprehend the condition, including the weather, the storage space, the cropped length, the dryness of the fodder, how many times the bales will be handled, etc. If it is needed, add an extra layer to make the bales stronger.
The Construction
The next explanation answers about it is the construction of the design. The best way to explain a thing to those who haven’t known about something is by describing the characteristics and the physical appearance. Some of the characteristics have been explained above. Here is the appearance of net wrap.
Net wrap is in the shape of a net. However, it has a little bit different construction from the other kind of net. It is the result of knit two kinds of small rope. The main rope is the strongest one and bears the weight of objects. Another rope with a thinner body has to knit the main rope. In other words, the second rope’s main job is just connecting the main one.
The material of the newest net wrap is polyethylene. It is strong but light in weight. This advantage brings another advantage with it that it is easy to carry and move. This is the end of the explanation. It is expected that a glance of knowledge mentioned above can answer the question.