Formation and cause of algae and fungal attack
In our latitudes, we have a very high humidity, which can promote algae and fungal attack on a tent cover. To prevent premature infestation, all our fabrics are impregnated and pretreated against mold fungi.
Nevertheless, the location and the care by the owner are crucial for the long life of a natural tent. Here you can find out more about the probably oldest microorganisms on our planet and how you can prevent an infestation of your natural tent.
Algae and fungi have optimally adapted to the living conditions on earth in their development. They occur on almost all surfaces such as stone, wood, glass, metal and even on fabrics.
What are algae and how do these green areas develop?
The habitat of the algae is mainly the water. Air algae developed during evolution and adapted to life outside the water. The cells of the air algae are about the size of a dust particle and are carried by the wind to the surfaces, where they ultimately settle. When the algae cells have been in contact with water long enough on a certain surface and they find enough nutrients in the water, they start to multiply. The algae no longer die, even in longer dry periods. They dry and fade, but recover during the next period of wetness.
What are molds and how do they arise?
Fungi and molds consist of cell threads and spores. The main habitat of the mushrooms is actually in the soil, where they serve to break down organic substances. In contrast to algae, fungi cannot only live on air and water because they do not carry out photosynthesis. They therefore do not appear as green areas, but mostly only as small black dots or foxing spots. The fungi take their nutrients from the organic substances on the surface that they colonize. Either these are nutrients dissolved in water or the fungi secrete enzymes with which they can remove the nutrients from the subsoil.
If the environment is extremely humid over a long period of time and the nutrient supply of organic substances is favorable, the cell threads grow and branch out into a network of threads. The fungal spores then form at the ends of some cell threads to multiply. These spores are dispersed by air movement. In our air, 96% of the biological particles consist of fungal spores, which are looking for an ideal substrate for their reproduction.
The impregnation of the tent fabrics ensures that the moisture flows away faster and does not penetrate the fibers. If the fabrics are also treated against mold, they have a longer service life and the algae and fungal attack is delayed. However, the best impregnation and equipment will decrease with the weather and therefore an early care and refreshment of the impregnation is important!
Which conditions promote algal and fungal attack?
There are generally a large number of fungal and algae colonies on trees, which means that the infection pressure from algae cells or fungal spores in the vicinity of trees is particularly high. Due to the permanent evaporation of water from the leaves of the trees, the humidity in their surroundings is higher and encourages the growth of algae and fungi. The following points promote an early infestation:
- Shadows from trees or houses
- High humidity near water or fog
- Moisture from the soil in moorland
- Biological residues on the material, such as Bird droppings, pollen and leaves
- Rural environments (are good breeding grounds for algae and fungi)
- Long periods of precipitation in autumn / spring
- Locations with restricted air movement
Usually the west and north sides are more affected. The north side receives less sunlight and is therefore rarely completely dried out. The west side, on the other hand, is often wet from rain, as the main wind direction usually comes from the west. Thanks to the strong sun, there are fewer algae and fungus colonies on the south side. The tent cover dries faster there and the strong UV rays tend to kill the algae cells and fungal spores.
With what measures can I avoid algae and fungus?
- Choose an open, sunny level as the location
- Keep your distance from trees and bushes
- In the rainy periods, often heat the tent with a fire
- If possible, occasionally dismantle and disassemble or move rods
- Remove bird droppings and other organic residues from the hull
- Cut back the grass and spread wood chips around a tent
- Early cleaning and care
If you observe some of these measures, you will enjoy your tent cover for a long time. If you are unsure about the location, let us advise you. We know from experience which material is suitable for which location or application
is best suited.
