Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
Matt Kleinhenz Extension Vegetable Specialist Horticulture and Crop Science High Tunnels: Are They for You?
2
Background Information high tunnel structures high tunnel versus other techniques, systems specific opportunities, requirements
3
STRUCTURES
4
image courtesy B. Lamont, PSU high tunnel
5
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
6
OARDC March 2006
7
image courtesy Wild Onion Farm image courtesy Noble Fndn.
8
Haygrove
9
image courtesy Will McGuire Plasticulture in China
10
image courtesy Chef's Garden
11
High Tunnel Costs depend strongly on size, design, features will continue to change
12
image courtesy http://www.aesop.rutgers.edu/~horteng/hightunnels.htm High Tunnel "Chassis"
13
chassis = frame, plastic, irrigation OARDC April 2006
14
OARDC November 2003
15
High Tunnel Costs chassis + repair/replace + climate control + labor
16
High Tunnel Costs + climate control ventilation raised beds, row covers sensors heating (temporary, permanent)
17
Major HT Materials Costs frame (material, durability, portability, number braces) film (number layers, type) end-, side-wall design climate control
18
High Tunnel Costs depend strongly on size, design, features … in OH, new materials cost $2.38-7.24 (avg. $3.95/ft 2 )
19
High Tunnel Costs cannot be insured usually not taxed (depends on local ordinances)
22
"Do not remove a fly from your friend's head with a hammer." - Chinese Proverb
23
HIGH TUNNEL VERSUS OTHER TECHNIQUES, SYSTEMS
24
images courtesy Ken-Bar, MN Artists, The OSU
25
Season Extension Techniques transplanting raised beds mulches, row covers protected culture
26
image courtesy Ken-Bar
27
image courtesy D. and M. Reckamp, MO. What makes high tunnels work? Light carries heat. Enters, but does not leave HT. When dark, plastic limits heat loss to sky.
29
Wooster, OH 2003-2004
30
Natural Law Q10 rate at X + 10 temp rate at X temp = 2
31
SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES, REQUIREMENTS
32
OPPORTUNITIES
33
… can extend the season (help farmers "sell high") High Tunnel Use:
34
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Plant, Harvest Dates plant harvest Field HT
36
2007
38
… can minimize supply gaps (crop stress) High Tunnel Use:
42
DISEASES INSECTS WEEDS
43
protect crops save days High Tunnels:
45
OARDC November 2003
46
Most Current HT Users … … also farm open fields … grow vegetables (use for other crops increasing)
47
RURAL, URBAN HT USERS
48
Photo courtesy K. Date, The Countryside Program OH population density 254 people/mi 2
49
SUSTAINABLE CONVENTIONALORGANIC High Tunnel Users Approach has implications for high tunnel users.
50
FARM SIZE, INCOME HT EXPERIENCE LOWHIGH High Tunnel Users Also vary in market approach (direct, wholesale, etc.) and location.
51
High Tunnels: Are They for You?
52
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
53
Success with High Tunnels Requires … system thinking, action
54
images courtesy Ken-Bar, MN Artists, The OSU
55
Success with High Tunnels Requires … system thinking, action money (build, maintain) fewer days off "babysitting": ventilate, irrigate specific equipment specific varieties, ICM practices
56
OTHER COMMENTS
57
Most high tunnel crops are grown in soil. Still, hydroponic and container production are options.
58
image courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSU non-circulating, hydroponic, float-bed system
59
image courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSU bag culture
60
Many crops can be grown in a high tunnel. Some tend to be better suited for the system and more profitable. images courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSUE
61
gross returns input costs HT Production Profitable? Usually.
62
Use of Grafted Plants may Enhance High Tunnel Production.
63
rootstock scion A B
64
A B combine and secure
65
direct combination of traits A B
66
overcome breeding barriers … time, money, technology Grafting can: Goal: improve vigor, stress resistance, yield, quality
67
greenhouse vegetables field-based vegetable production in Asia, areas of Europe Grafting Application
68
post-grafting environment ("take", shipment) economics (price, seedling-plant management) For Wider Application …
69
rootstock-scion compatibility trait retention, enhancement under varying environments For Wider Application …
70
"Grafting to improve organic vegetable production in field and high tunnels systems" New Grafting Project
71
SUMMARY
72
image courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSUE
73
High Tunnels 101 Goal balanced, introductory view of the pros and cons of high tunnel production of vegetable, fruit, flower and herb crops
74
High Tunnels 101 Content – 25 FAQs 1. Factors to consider before buying a high tunnel 2. Preparing to build and building a high tunnel 3. Preparing to grow in a high tunnel
75
QUESTIONS? THANK-YOU and GOOD LUCK!
76
Dr. Matt Kleinhenz Assoc. Professor, Extension Vegetable Specialist Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, The OSU-OARDC phone: 330-263-3810 E-mail: kleinhenz.1@osu.edu Web: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/kleinhenz/
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.