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LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production
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High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production

Feb 24, 2016

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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. . - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Page 1: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO

HIGH TUNNELS

High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production

Page 2: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

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.

Page 3: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

High Tunnels vs. Greenhouses

High tunnels are also often called “hoop houses”Simple, plastic-covered structuresCome in many shapes and sizesTall 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

Page 4: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

High Tunnels

Page 5: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

High Tunnels

Page 6: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

High Tunnels

Differences from Greenhouses: Passive-solar-heated structures, Use no artificial heat Passively 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

Page 7: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

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

Page 8: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

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

Page 9: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

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

Page 10: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels

Page 11: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

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

Page 12: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

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

Page 13: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

High Tunnel Limitations

Page 14: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

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

Page 15: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

High Tunnel Economics

More costly than in a fieldGrowers must carefully choose combination of cropsMost crops CAN be grown in a high tunnel, not all

make economic senseGrowers should consider:

Value of the crop Length of growing season Labor required for production Yield of the crop Potential market price

Page 16: High Tunnel  Fruit and Vegetable Production

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?