Title: High Tunnels: Are They for You
1High TunnelsAre They for You?
2High TunnelsAre They for You?
Background Information high tunnel structures
high tunnel versus other techniques, systems
specific opportunities, requirements
3STRUCTURES
4high tunnel
5Major 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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7image courtesy Noble Fndn.
image courtesy Wild Onion Farm
8Haygrove
9Plasticulture in China
image courtesy Will McGuire
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11High Tunnel Costs
depend strongly on size, design, features
12High Tunnel "Chassis"
13OARDC April 2006
chassis frame, plastic, irrigation
14OARDC November 2003
15High Tunnel Costs
chassis repair/replace climate control labor
16High Tunnel Costs
climate control
ventilation raised beds, row covers
sensors heating (temporary, permanent)
17Major HT Materials Costs
frame (material, durability, portability,
number braces) film (number layers, type)
end-, side-wall design climate control
18High Tunnel Costs
depend strongly on size, design, features
in OH, new materials cost 2.38-7.24 (avg.
3.95/ft2)
19High Tunnel Costs
cannot be insured usually not taxed
(depends on local ordinances)
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22"Do not remove a fly from your friend's head
with a hammer." - Chinese Proverb
23HIGH TUNNELVERSUS OTHERTECHNIQUES,SYSTEMS
24images courtesy Ken-Bar, MN Artists, The OSU
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26image courtesy Ken-Bar
27What 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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31SPECIFICOPPORTUNITIES,REQUIREMENTS
32OPPORTUNITIES
33High Tunnel Use
can extend the season (help
farmers "sell high")
34Plant, Harvest Dates
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362007
372007
38High Tunnel Use
can minimize supply gaps (crop stress)
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42DISEASESINSECTSWEEDS
43High Tunnels
protect crops save days
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45OARDC November 2003
46Most Current HT Users
also farm open fields grow vegetables (use
for other crops increasing)
47RURAL,URBANHT USERS
48OH population density254 people/mi2
49High Tunnel Users
Approach has implications for high tunnel users.
50High Tunnel Users
Also vary in market approach (direct, wholesale,
etc.) and location.
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52BASICREQUIREMENTS
53Success with High Tunnels Requires
system thinking, action
54images courtesy Ken-Bar, MN Artists, The OSU
55Success with High Tunnels Requires
system thinking, action money (build,
maintain) fewer days off "babysitting"
ventilate, irrigate specific equipment
specific varieties, ICM practices
56OTHERCOMMENTS
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58image courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSU
59image courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSU
bag culture
60Many crops can be grown in a high tunnel. Some
tend to be better suited for the system and more
profitable.
61HT Production Profitable?
Usually.
62Use of Grafted Plants may Enhance High Tunnel
Production.
63scion
B
A
rootstock
64combineand secure
A
B
65direct combination of traits
66Grafting can
overcome breeding barriers time, money,
technology
Goal improve vigor, stress resistance, yield,
quality
67Grafting Application
greenhouse vegetables field-based vegetable
production in Asia, areas of Europe
68For Wider Application
post-grafting environment ("take",
shipment) economics (price, seedling-plant
management)
69For Wider Application
rootstock-scion compatibility trait
retention, enhancement under varying
environments
70New Grafting Project
"Grafting to improveorganic vegetableproduction
in fieldand high tunnels systems"
71SUMMARY
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73High Tunnels 101
Goal balanced, introductory view of the pros
and cons of high tunnel production of
vegetable, fruit, flower and herb crops
74High 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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76Dr. 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/