Introduction A high tunnel is not, by definition, a permanent structure. Nonetheless, site selection will play an important role in its performance. Considerations in siting a high tunnel include orientation, airflow, shading, windbreaks, drainage, soil quality, weeds and other pests, and purpose. Purpose The purpose of the
These Educational Modules offer images and documentation necessary for educators to integrate the concepts of high tunnel technology into their unique courses, in their particular geographical area, from their own perspective, and with knowledge of their students needs. Modules will be available to serve a variety of
By the Iowa State University Extension Office This program describes how to build a system to catch, store and reuse the rainwater for irrigation in a high tunnel. Shawn Shouse, ISU Extension and Outreach ag engineer, runs us through the process. The cost of installing rain gutters,
Roll-up sides and drop-down curtains are low-cost vent systems that can be installed in most high tunnels. These systems operate on the principle that heat is removed by a pressure difference created by wind gradients, so no energy is required to operate fans to move air. A
High tunnels are unheated, plastic-covered structures that provide an intermediate level of environmental protection and control compared to open field conditions and heated greenhouses Cost Unlike commercial greenhouses that cost up to $20 per square foot to construct, high tunnels can cost as little as $0.50 per square
Season Extension Compared to open field conditions, plastic-covered high tunnels result in a warmer production environment during late fall, winter and early spring seasons This offers the advantage starting crops earlier in the spring and harvesting them later in the fall Production during the winter season is
Terminology & Diagram The following diagram denotes basic terminology associated with high tunnel framework. Rib, Hoop, Arch, Bow Purlin , Ridgepole End Wall Hip Board Side Wall Baseboard Frame & Framing Materials The frame supports the structure and must withstand various stresses or “loads” To add strength
A strict definition of a high tunnel does not exist, and the terminology may change depending on the structure’s use “Hoophouse” and “High Tunnel” are often used interchangeably For example, a market farmer might grow an additional crop of sunflowers in a “High Tunnel” after first frost,
In the 1980s, Jamaica’s protected agriculture sub-sector primarily consisted of producing cut flowers for export. However, it experienced a shift when increased competition from South America and an influx of disease caused the majority of these agri-businesses to close. More recently, increases in hurricane activity in the
A Case Study to Determine the cause of Chlorosis in a Crop of Cut Dicentra spectabilis By Marci Spaw, Kimberly A. Williams, Laurie Hodges, Ellen T. Paparozzi and Ingrid L. Mallberg The Grower The grower, Maria Flint, is forcing Dicentra spectabilis as cut flowers for Valentine’s Day
