High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS Objectives Recognize the difference between a high tunnel and a greenhouse structure. Identify.
Download
Report
Transcript High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS Objectives Recognize the difference between a high tunnel and a greenhouse structure. Identify.
High Tunnel
Fruit and Vegetable Production
LESSON ONE:
INTRODUCTION TO
HIGH TUNNELS
Objectives
Recognize the difference between a high tunnel and
a greenhouse structure.
Identify the advantages of high tunnels.
Recall limitations to the use of high tunnels.
High Tunnels vs. Greenhouses
High tunnels are also often called “hoop houses”
Simple, plastic-covered structures
Come in many shapes and sizes
Tall enough to walk-in & grow tall, trellised crops
No standard dimensions
Range from 14-30 feet wide by 30-96 feet long
Must be irrigated
High Tunnels
High Tunnels
High Tunnels
Differences from Greenhouses:
Passive-solar-heated
Passively
structures, Use no artificial heat
ventilated
Manually
roll-up sidelines
End walls can be opened or removed
No artificial ventilation such as fans, tubes or forced air
Plants
are grown in the ground
Typically covered with a single layer of plastic
Can cost as little as $.50/ft2 to construct
Commercial
greenhouses can cost up to $20/ft2
Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels
Extended Growing Seasons
Beginning
4-8 weeks earlier in the Spring
Continuing 2-5 weeks later in the Fall
Weather Protection
Protect
from environmental stresses
Labor Efficiency
Most
tasks can be performed unaffected by weather
Higher labor inputs are required
Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels
Environmental Control
Growers
can control water, fertility, and temperature
Can result in greater yields of quality produce
Week growth is reduced due to drip irrigation
Reduced Incidence of Plant Diseases
Need
for disease, weed and wildlife management is
reduced
Pesticide inputs are minimized
Significantly reduced incidence of foliar diseases
Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels
Improved Quality
Well-managed
high tunnels typically produce
higher yields of higher quality produce
Compared
to field-grown crops
Increased Revenue Per Square Foot
Greatest
advantage of high tunnel production
Higher premiums from:
Out
of season crops
Increased quality and yield
Value in the marketplace
Reduced cost of inputs
Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels
High Tunnel Limitations
More attention is required for the whole picture
Water
and nutrient management
Temperature control
Crop selection
Continuous production strategies
Typically more costly than growing in a field
Capital
cost of structure
Increased manual labor requirements
High Tunnel Limitations
Initial Cost and Maintenance
Often
requires multiple years to pay for itself
Galvanized metal frame can last 30 to 40 years
Plastic covering needs replacement every 4-5 years
Other upkeep costs necessary
Different Pest Problems
Fewer
disease problems, increased insect pressure
Favorable environment for:
Tomato
Hornworm, Cutworm, Thrips, Mites and Aphids
High Tunnel Limitations
High Tunnel Limitations
Regular Monitoring and Labor
Climate
control, especially in Spring and Fall
Additional investments can reduce need for frequent
monitoring
Electrical
installation and thermostatically controlled side
and overhead ventilation
Crop Rotation
Limited
space makes rotation difficult
Consider proper crop rotations for:
Soil
fertility and nutrition, reduction of soil-borne
pathogens and pest control
High Tunnel Economics
More costly than in a field
Growers must carefully choose combination of crops
Most crops CAN be grown in a high tunnel, not all
make economic sense
Growers should consider:
Value
of the crop
Length of growing season
Labor required for production
Yield of the crop
Potential market price
Review and Reflection
Respond to one of the following questions on a
separate, blank sheet of paper:
In
your opinion, what is the most interesting thing
you have learned about high tunnels so far? Would
you be interested in growing fruits and vegetables in
a high tunnel as part of your SAE project or for a
class? Why or why not?
Scenario: Your agricultural education program has the
opportunity to receive a high tunnel. Do you think
they should get one? Why or why not? What talking
points would you use to convince your school board
and agriculture teacher that a high tunnel is or is not
a good investment?