High Tunnels: Are They for You

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High TunnelsAre They for You?
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High TunnelsAre They for You?
Background Information high tunnel structures
high tunnel versus other techniques, systems
specific opportunities, requirements
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STRUCTURES
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high tunnel
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Major HT Characteristics
metal, wood, and/or PVC frame clear plastic
cover (1-2 layers) soil floor (not required)
peak height at least 8 ft
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image courtesy Noble Fndn.
image courtesy Wild Onion Farm
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Haygrove
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Plasticulture in China
image courtesy Will McGuire
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High Tunnel Costs
depend strongly on size, design, features
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High Tunnel "Chassis"
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OARDC April 2006
chassis frame, plastic, irrigation
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OARDC November 2003
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High Tunnel Costs
chassis repair/replace climate control labor
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High Tunnel Costs
climate control
ventilation raised beds, row covers
sensors heating (temporary, permanent)
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Major HT Materials Costs
frame (material, durability, portability,
number braces) film (number layers, type)
end-, side-wall design climate control
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High Tunnel Costs
depend strongly on size, design, features
in OH, new materials cost 2.38-7.24 (avg.
3.95/ft2)
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High Tunnel Costs
cannot be insured usually not taxed
(depends on local ordinances)
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"Do not remove a fly from your friend's head
with a hammer." - Chinese Proverb
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HIGH TUNNELVERSUS OTHERTECHNIQUES,SYSTEMS
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images courtesy Ken-Bar, MN Artists, The OSU
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image courtesy Ken-Bar
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What makes high tunnels work? Light carries heat.
Enters, but does not leave HT. When dark, plastic
limits heat loss to sky.
image courtesy D. and M. Reckamp, MO.
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SPECIFICOPPORTUNITIES,REQUIREMENTS
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OPPORTUNITIES
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High Tunnel Use
can extend the season (help
farmers "sell high")
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Plant, Harvest Dates
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2007
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2007
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High Tunnel Use
can minimize supply gaps (crop stress)
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DISEASESINSECTSWEEDS
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High Tunnels
protect crops save days
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OARDC November 2003
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Most Current HT Users
also farm open fields grow vegetables (use
for other crops increasing)
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RURAL,URBANHT USERS
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OH population density254 people/mi2
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High Tunnel Users
Approach has implications for high tunnel users.
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High Tunnel Users
Also vary in market approach (direct, wholesale,
etc.) and location.
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BASICREQUIREMENTS
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Success with High Tunnels Requires
system thinking, action
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images courtesy Ken-Bar, MN Artists, The OSU
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Success with High Tunnels Requires
system thinking, action money (build,
maintain) fewer days off "babysitting"
ventilate, irrigate specific equipment
specific varieties, ICM practices
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OTHERCOMMENTS
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image courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSU
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image courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSU
bag culture
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Many crops can be grown in a high tunnel. Some
tend to be better suited for the system and more
profitable.
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HT Production Profitable?
Usually.
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Use of Grafted Plants may Enhance High Tunnel
Production.
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scion
B
A
rootstock
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combineand secure
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B
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direct combination of traits
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Grafting can
overcome breeding barriers time, money,
technology
Goal improve vigor, stress resistance, yield,
quality
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Grafting Application
greenhouse vegetables field-based vegetable
production in Asia, areas of Europe
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For Wider Application
post-grafting environment ("take",
shipment) economics (price, seedling-plant
management)
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For Wider Application
rootstock-scion compatibility trait
retention, enhancement under varying
environments
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New Grafting Project
"Grafting to improveorganic vegetableproduction
in fieldand high tunnels systems"
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SUMMARY
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High Tunnels 101
Goal balanced, introductory view of the pros
and cons of high tunnel production of
vegetable, fruit, flower and herb crops
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High Tunnels 101
Content 25 FAQs1. Factors to consider before
buying a high tunnel2. Preparing to build
and building a high tunnel3. Preparing to
grow in a high tunnel
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Dr. Matt KleinhenzAssoc. Professor, Extension
Vegetable SpecialistDept. of Horticulture and
Crop Science, The OSU-OARDCphone
330-263-3810E-mail kleinhenz.1_at_osu.eduWeb
http//www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/kleinhenz/