Assessing heat management practices in high tunnels to improve organic production of bell peppers

2019 ◽  
Vol 246 ◽  
pp. 928-941 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.Z. Zheng ◽  
B. Leib ◽  
D.M. Butler ◽  
W. Wright ◽  
P. Ayers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Heat Management ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Bell Peppers

Organic agriculture in Argentina's Pampas. A case study on Pampa Orgánica Norte farmers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Silvina M. Cabrini ◽  
Luciana Elustondo
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Technology Generation ◽  
Natural Grasslands ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Certified Organic

Abstract Faced with a society that demands the reduction of negative environmental impacts of agriculture while producing high-value, healthy food for local and export markets, Argentina is currently in a debate on the alternative paths toward sustainability in agricultural production. Argentina is ranked second in the world in terms of land under organic certification. Extensive sheep production in Patagonia natural grasslands accounts for most of this area and harvested organic area remains a very small fraction of total harvested land (0.6%). This paper aims to contribute to the discussion of opportunities and limitations in organic farming as an ecological intensification alternative for Argentina's Pampas. A case study was conducted on Pampa Orgánica Norte. This is a group of nine organic farmers that manages field crops and livestock-certified organic production. Farmers interviewed in this study considered different criteria including economic and environmental attributes when choosing to produce organically. However, the main drivers for conversion to organic production are related to environmental factors, in particular ecosystem protection. The main limitations in organic production are related to crop management practices, primarily weed control. To achieve the goal of increasing organic production a more active role of the public sector in technology generation and transfer was demanded by farmers.

Does growing Canadian Western Hard Red Spring wheat under organic management alter its breadmaking quality?

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Mason ◽  
A. Navabi ◽  
B. Frick ◽  
J. O'Donovan ◽  
D. Niziol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Test Weight ◽  
Kernel Hardness ◽  
Organic Management ◽  
Breadmaking Quality ◽  
Conventional Management ◽  
Flour Yield

AbstractCanadian Western Hard Red Spring (CWRS) wheat is recognized as premium quality wheat, ideal for breadmaking due to its superior milling qualities, baking characteristics and protein content. Organic wheat production is becoming more prevalent in Canada, due to increasing consumer demand for organic wheat products. Differences may exist in the baking and milling quality of wheat grown under conventional and organic management, a result of the dissimilarity between organic and conventional soil and crop management practices. Five CWRS cultivars released from 1885 to 1997 were grown under conventional and organic management and were assessed for their breadmaking potential. Several traits were investigated, including test weight, protein content, flour yield, kernel hardness and several mixograph parameters. Test weight was higher under conventional management, while no differences in protein content were observed between organic and conventionally grown wheat. Higher sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation (SDSS) volume, a reflection of gluten strength, was observed under conventional management, while there was a trend towards higher dough strength under organic management. Cultivars differed in grain protein, flour yield, kernel hardness and mixograph parameters, with Park and McKenzie superior to the others, particularly Red Fife, a much older cultivar. Management×cultivar interaction effects suggest that cultivars exhibit somewhat different baking characteristics when grown in the two management systems. There was no evidence that older cultivars (developed prior to the widespread use of pesticides and fertilizers) are better suited, in terms of breadmaking quality, for organic production.

High tunnels without anti-insect netting benefit organic cherry tomato production in regions with cool and short growing seasons

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-414
Author(s):  
Yun Kong ◽  
David Llewellyn ◽  
Youbin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Soluble Solids Content ◽  
Cherry Tomato ◽  
Southern Ontario ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Solids Content ◽  
Cherry Tomatoes

The potential market for locally produced organic cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) is large in Canada, but it is challenging to grow this warm-season crop in open fields (OFs) due to the cool and short growing season. To test the feasibility of using high tunnels (HTs) for improving organic production in southern Ontario, plant growth, fruit yield and quality, and pest and disease incidence were compared for ‘Sarina hybrid’ cherry tomato among three production systems: OF, HT, and high tunnel with anti-insect netting (HTN) in Guelph, ON, in 2015 and 2016. Averaged over the 2 yr, the highest marketable fruit yield was achieved in HT (≈70 t ha−1), followed by HTN (≈50 t ha−1), with the lowest yield obtained in OF (≈24 t ha−1). Compared with OF, increased plant growth, extended harvest period, reduced pest numbers, and increased proportion of marketable fruits all led to the higher marketable yields in HT and HTN. Under HT vs. OF, fruit quality attributes, such as soluble solids content and post-harvest water loss, were better in 2015 and similar in 2016. Although the insect netting reduced pest incidence and disease infection, fruits harvested from HTN had lower yield, smaller size, and lower soluble solids content than those from HT in both years. Therefore, HT can be recommended for organic production of cherry tomatoes in southern Ontario.

scholarly journals Broad Mite on Primocane-fruiting Blackberry in Organic Production in Arkansas

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 718-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher I. Vincent ◽  
M. Elena García ◽  
Donn T. Johnson ◽  
Curt R. Rom
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Trichome Density ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Polyphagotarsonemus Latus ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Broad Mite ◽  
Spring Harvest ◽  
Genotype Effects

The broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) was found in association with leaf-curling symptoms on primocane-fruiting blackberry (Rubus rubus) in Arkansas in 2007–2009. Broad mite had not been previously reported on blackberry. The plots sampled in this study were part of a study comparing harvesting in the fall versus harvest in spring and fall, high tunnels versus ambient conditions, and three genotypes, all under organic production. Leaves were sampled, broad mites per leaf counted, and leaf area and trichome density measured. Results indicated that broad mite is capable of overwintering in a moderate temperate climate and that it reduces leaf area of primocane-fruiting blackberry. The fall-only harvest system had fewer broad mites than fall and spring harvest. There were a range of genotype effects on broad mite populations, including one genotype, ‘Prime-Jan®’, on which broad mite populations remained low, and one genotype, APF-46, on which mite populations grew significantly. Observations indicate that the broad mite may be a pest of ‘Prime-Ark® 45’, another primocane-fruiting cultivar.

scholarly journals Management Practices of Growers Using High Tunnels in the Central Great Plains of the United States

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 639-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon J.B. Knewtson ◽  
Edward E. Carey ◽  
M.B. Kirkham
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Spinacia Oleracea ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
The United States ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Leafy Greens ◽  
High Tunnels

A survey was conducted of 81 growers managing 185 high tunnels in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa to collect information about their high tunnel management practices. The survey was administered from 2005 to 2007 using internet-based and written forms. The average respondent had 4 years of high tunnel experience. The oldest tunnel still in use was 15 years old. Twenty-five percent of respondents grew crops in their high tunnels year-round. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), pepper (Capsicum spp.), leafy greens, and flowers were the most common crops. Organic soil amendments were used exclusively by 35% of growers, and in combination with conventional fertilizers by an additional 50% of growers. The summary of management practices is of interest to growers and the industries and university research and extension scientists who serve them. Growers typically reported satisfaction with their high tunnels. Growers with more than one high tunnel had often added tunnels following the success of crop production in an initial tunnel. Labor for crop maintenance was the main limiting factor reported by growers as preventing expanded high tunnel production.

scholarly journals Colored Bell Pepper Yields from Cultivars Grown in High Tunnels in Northern New England

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 456-462
Author(s):  
Rebecca Grube Sideman
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Bell Pepper ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Bell Peppers ◽  
Controlled Environments

High tunnels can facilitate production of ripe colored bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) in locations with short growing seasons by extending the length of the growing season and protecting fruit from biotic and abiotic stressors. We grew 10 cultivars of bell pepper over 3 years in a high tunnel in Durham, NH. Yields of marketable colored fruit ranged from 1576 to 2285 g/plant in 2015, from 1194 to 1839 g/plant in 2016, and 1471 to 2358 g/plant in 2017. Significant differences in marketable yield among cultivars existed only in 2015 and 2017. Of the 10 cultivars evaluated, those developed for controlled environments produced greater marketable yields than those developed for production in the field or unheated tunnels (P < 0.0001). The seasonal production patterns were similar among cultivars in all 3 years: a single peak in production occurred between 159 and 175 days after seeding, followed by much lower but steady production until frost ended each growing season. Our results demonstrate that reasonable yields of colored bell peppers can be produced in high tunnels in locations with short growing seasons. We suggest that further work may be needed to identify optimal pruning and canopy management strategies to maximize yields and fruit quality.

scholarly journals Phosphorus Sources and Management in Organic Production Systems

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan O. Nelson ◽  
Rhonda R. Janke
Keyword(s):  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Phosphate Rock ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
P Availability ◽  
Soil P ◽  
Best Management ◽  
P Loss ◽  
P Sources

Organically produced fruit and vegetables are among the fastest growing agricultural markets. With greater demand for organically grown produce, more farmers are considering organic production options. Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in maintaining optimal production in an organic system, which involves appropriate nutrient management. The objectives of this review were to summarize the current state of our knowledge concerning effects of organic production systems on phosphorus (P) availability, describe P availability in common organically accepted P sources, and review best management practices that can reduce environmental risks associated with P management in organic systems. Organic production systems seek to improve soil organic matter and biological diversity, which may impact P cycling and P uptake by crops. Increases in organic matter will be accompanied by an increase in the organic P pool. Furthermore, management of cover crops and potentially enhanced arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization from organic production practices can increase the availability of soil P pool (both organic and inorganic) by stimulating microbial activity and release of root exudates. This can help compensate for low soil P, but will not supersede the need to replace P removed by the harvested crop. Phosphorus fertilization in organic production systems entails balancing the P inputs with crop removal through selection and management of both nitrogen (N) and P inputs. Organic production systems that rely on manure or composts for meeting crop N demand will likely have a P surplus; therefore, P deficiencies will not be an issue. Systems using other N sources may have a P deficit, therefore requiring P supplementation for optimal plant growth. In such situations, maintenance P applications equal to crop removal should be made based on soil test recommendations. Primary organically approved P sources are phosphate rock (PR), manure, and compost. Phosphate rock is most effective at supplying P in soils with low pH (less than 5.5) and low calcium concentrations. Phosphate rock applications made to soils with pH greater than 5.5 may not be effective because of reduced PR solubility. Manure- and compost-based P has high plant availability, ranging from 70% to 100% available. Use of manures and composts requires extra considerations to reduce the risk of P loss from P sources to surface waters. Best management practices (BMPs) for reducing source P losses are incorporation of the manures or composts and timing applications to correspond to periods of low runoff risk based on climatic conditions. Organic production systems that use manures and composts as their primary N source should focus on minimizing P buildup in the soils and use of management practices that reduce the risks of P loss to surface waters. Evaluation of P loss risk with a P index will assist in identification of soil and management factors likely to contribute to high P loss as well as BMPs that can decrease P loss risks. BMPs should focus on controlling both particulate and dissolved P losses.

scholarly journals Lettuce Yield and Quality When Grown in High Tunnel and Open-Field Production Systems Under Three Diverse Climates

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 659-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell W. Wallace ◽  
Annette L. Wszelaki ◽  
Carol A. Miles ◽  
Jeremy S. Cowan ◽  
Jeffrey Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Mount Vernon ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Lettuce Yield ◽  
Field Plots ◽  
Field Production

Field studies were conducted during 2010 and 2011 in Knoxville, TN; Lubbock, TX; and Mount Vernon, WA; to compare high tunnel and open-field organic production systems for season extension and adverse climate protection on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) yield and quality. The climates of these locations are diverse and can be typified as hot and humid (Knoxville), hot and dry (Lubbock), and cool and humid (Mount Vernon). In both years, 6-week-old lettuce seedlings of ‘New Red Fire’ and ‘Green Star’ (leafy type), ‘Adriana’ and ‘Ermosa’ (butterhead type), and ‘Coastal Star’ and ‘Jericho’ (romaine type) were transplanted in the late winter or early spring into subplots covered with black plastic and grown to maturity (43 to 65 days). Lettuce harvest in Knoxville occurred at 50 to 62 days after transplanting (DAT), with open-field lettuce harvested an average of 9 days earlier compared with high tunnel plots both years (P > 0.0001). The earlier than anticipated harvests in the open-field in Knoxville in 2010 were due to lettuce bolting. In Lubbock, high tunnel lettuce was harvested an average 16 days earlier in 2010 compared with open-field lettuce (P > 0.0001), while in 2011, high temperatures and bolting required that open-field lettuce be harvested 4 days earlier than lettuce grown in high tunnels. On average, lettuce cultivars at Mount Vernon matured and were harvested 56 to 61 DAT in 2010 and 54 to 64 DAT in 2011 with no significant differences between high tunnel and open-field production systems. Total and marketable yields at Mount Vernon and Lubbock averaged across cultivars were comparable in both high tunnel and open-field plots. At Knoxville, although total yields were significantly higher (P > 0.0062) in high tunnels than open-field plots, incidence of insect, disease, and physiological damage in high tunnel plots reduced lettuce quality and marketable yield (P > 0.0002). Lettuce head length:diameter ratio (LDR) averaged across cultivars was equal between high tunnel and the open field at all three locations. High tunnel production systems offer greater control of environments suitable for lettuce production, especially in climates like Knoxville and Lubbock where later-planted open-field systems may be more susceptible to temperature swings that may affect lettuce quality. These results suggest that although high tunnel culture alone may influence lettuce yield and quality, regional climates likely play a critical role in determining the impact of these two production systems on marketable lettuce yields.

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