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

Dec 30, 2015

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Ashlee Kennedy
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Page 1: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production.

LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO

HIGH TUNNELS

High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production

Page 2: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production.

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

Page 4: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production.

High Tunnels

Page 5: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production.

High Tunnels

Page 6: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production.

Uses and Advantages of High Tunnels

Page 11: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production.

High Tunnel Limitations

Page 14: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production.

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

Page 16: LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO HIGH TUNNELS 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?