The objective of this study was to determine the micrometeorological alterations caused by plastic screen uses in agriculture. The experiment with lettuce was carried out in Alegre (20º45’S, 41º28’W - 150 m), Espírito Santo State, Brazil, during September to December, 1996. Measurements were done under plastic screen with 0; 30; 50, and 70% of solar radiation reduction (attenuation) according to commercial specification. Results showed that attenuation was less than commercial specification and there was a diurnal fluctuation as a function of solar zenital angle. A reduction in soil temperature under shading was also observed.
microclimate; plastic screen; shading
