1. Seasonal High Tunnel Systems for Crops Update on interim standard 798 Technical and Program guidance National bulletin: 190-10-10 National Bulletin: 190-10-12 NRCS Idaho October, 2010

2. - Definition: A seasonal polyethylene covered structure with no electrical, heating, and/or mechanical ventilation systems that is used to cover crops and extend the season in an environmentally friendly manner Practice lifespan: 4 years Currently (2011) only available under the Organic EQIP payment schedule.

4. - Improve plant quality - Improve soil quality - Improve water quality from reduced nutrient and pesticide transport - Improve air quality through reduced transportation input - Reduced energy use through local consumption Purposes

5. Condition Where Practice Applies

7. Criteria The seasonal tunnel structure must be planned, designed, and constructed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation

9. Elements of a High Tunnel

12. “In climate conditions where snow loads may damage the structure, the tunnel cover shall be removed at the end of the growing season” As a minimum, a 6-mil greenhouse-grade, UV resistant polyethylene cover will be used Standard from most manufactures Criteria

19. Maximum 2,178 square feet for a farming operation Idaho NRCS has two payment rates: 1. Up to 1,000 square feet 2. More than 1,000 square feet Payment rate cap – Tunnel can be larger, but only pay up to 2,178 sq ft – Can have multiple tunnels – Can already have a tunnel Payment Rate

20. Installation Considerations Orientation NS for main season, EW for off season, maximize airflow crosswise Distance from structures/shade –2x height of nearest structure Quality soil Access to water for irrigation Drainage

21. Runoff shall be directed away from tunnel to avoid ponding – Surface or underground outlets – Protected ground surface – Critical area planting − Grassed waterways If runoff empties onto ground surface, a detention basin, storage reservoir, or stable outlet shall be provided Criteria

22. Surface or ground outlets such as rock pads, rock filled trenches with subsurface drains, concrete and other erosion-resistant pads, or preformed channels may be used Seeding and vegetation shall be established on all disturbed earth surfaces Criteria

23. Plan appropriate measures to address: – Conservation crop rotation – Irrigation water management – Nutrient management – Pest management – Runoff from the structure Rotate location of the tunnel to reduce disease build up. Considerations

24. For general information and suppliers of high tunnel systems see web sites: hightunnels.org University of Idaho http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/homegard.asp Utah State University https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/htm/vegetable s-fruits-herbs High Tunnel Sources