Hail is one of the least predictable threats for fruit growers. Anti-hail nets are a proven solution, but they have drawbacks: high installation costs, shading (5–15%), restricted machinery access and reduced ventilation.
SPAG anti-hail systems work differently: in a combustion chamber they generate a shock wave (combustion of acetylene with oxygen), emitted about every 7 seconds. According to the manufacturer, the waves increase air resistance and accelerate the natural melting of hailstones, which pass through the wave several times as they fall. Declared range: at least 80 ha from a single installation, wave radius approx. 500 m. The effectiveness of “anti-hail cannons” is a matter of scientific debate; we give the manufacturer’s data.
Benefits: no shading, full machinery access, zero operating costs (solar and grid power), automatic detection of hail clouds, and an additional frost protection function (ventilation mode).
Investment: 200,000–400,000 zł for a complete installation covering 40–80 ha. With an average apple production value of 50,000 zł/ha, a single saved season is enough.