scholarly journals Alternative Strategies to Manage Weather Risk in Perennial Fruit Crop Production

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuay-Tsyr Ho ◽  
Jennifer E. Ifft ◽  
Bradley J. Rickard ◽  
Calum G. Turvey
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Eastern United States ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Revenue Insurance ◽  
Tunnel System ◽  
Weather Insurance

Fruit producers in the Eastern United States face a wide range of weather-related risks that have the capacity to largely impact yields and profitability. This research examines the economic implications associated with responding to these risks for sweet cherry production in three different systems: high tunnels, revenue insurance, and weather insurance. The analysis considers a distribution of revenue flows and costs using detailed price, yield, and weather data between 1984 and 2013. Our results show that the high tunnel system generates the largest net return if significant price premiums exist for earlier and larger fruit.

scholarly journals Improving crop production efficiency by optimizing the timing of field work

2020 ◽  
Vol 197 (6) ◽  
pp. 26-38
Author(s):  
N. Stepnyh ◽  
E. Nesterova ◽  
S. Gilev ◽  
A. Zargaryan
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Optimal Timing ◽  
Grain Crops ◽  
Sowing Dates ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Research Institute

Abstract. Violation of the optimal timing of field work and irrational structure of acreage leads to a decrease in crop yield. The purpose is to show ways to improve the efficiency of grain production due to earlier terms of wheat harvesting. The objects of the study were operational data on the timing of field work and the yield of grain crops in the agricultural sector of the Kurgan region and in the fields of the Kurgan research Institute, weather data. Common methods of comparative, statistical, factor, and correlation analyses were used. Results. It was found that the most favorable conditions for harvesting grain crops are formed in August. At the same time, as of September 1, 2019, 21 % of the area of grain crops was removed in the Kurgan region, and 71 % as of October 1. The yield of grain harvested in September was 5.7 t/ha below removed in August, loss of income – 6.2 thousand rubles/ha. Price for grain sold in September, is often lower than in August, and another minus 1.5 thousand rubles. The Early cleaning provide earlier crops. For more effective optimization of work terms, it is proposed to keep their records and analysis in the e-book of field history developed at the Kurgan research Institute. It was found that with minimal availability of agricultural machinery, the yield on fields in different hydrothermal conditions varied slightly due to the use of a wide range of sowing dates from May 2 to May 31 and the rational structure of varieties. About 10 % of crops under winter wheat allowed to start harvesting 2–3 weeks before spring and it is more profitable to sell grain. Agricultural producers are recommended to optimize the terms of harvesting spring wheat due to earlier sowing dates, taking into account the validity for each field and the introduction of winter wheat into circulation. The scientific novelty lies in the analysis of the conditions of sowing and harvesting operations in the economy that have developed over the past 5 years in the context of each field.

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 Orientation of Small Hobby High Tunnels and Potential Effects on Cut Sunflowers and Fresh Herbs

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-467
Author(s):  
Karen L. Panter ◽  
Timmothy M. Gergeni ◽  
Casey P. Seals ◽  
Andrea R. Garfinkel
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Plant Growth And Development ◽  
Origanum Vulgare ◽  
Horticultural Crop ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Culinary Herbs ◽  
Origanum Majorana ◽  
East West

High tunnels are gaining popularity for their use in horticultural crop production. However, little is known about the effect of high tunnel orientation on plant growth and development. In this set of studies, we show tunnel orientation does not necessarily affect the production of cut sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and culinary herbs oregano (Origanum vulgare), marjoram (Origanum majorana), and garlic chive (Allium tuberosum). Two high tunnels, one with the long axis oriented north-south (NS) and the other east-west (EW), were used to test the effects of high tunnel orientation on several crops over a 5-year period: cut sunflower (2012 and 2016); marjoram, oregano, and garlic chive (2013 and 2014); and garlic chive (2015). The tunnels are 12 × 16 ft, smaller than those used in commercial production. The size would be appropriate for hobby and seasonal production of horticultural crops for local markets. Cut sunflower stems were similar lengths both years in both high tunnels. Sunflower times to harvest were different between cultivars but not between high tunnels. Oregano fresh weight yields were highest in the NS tunnel in 2013 but similar between tunnels in 2014. Marjoram fresh weights were highest in 2013 in the EW tunnel but highest in 2014 in the NS tunnel. Garlic chive fresh weights were similar between tunnels all 3 years. We show that differences are more a function of innate cultivar characteristics than which way small high tunnels are oriented.

scholarly journals Management of the Soil Environment in High Tunnels

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Montri ◽  
J.A. Biernbaum
Keyword(s):  
Soil Health ◽  
Irrigation Water Quality ◽  
Soil Environment ◽  
Organic Management ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Fertility Management ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Management Techniques ◽  
Certified Organic

High-tunnel soil, water, and fertility management can be achieved using a wide range of approaches from polyethylene film-mulched, drip-fertigated beds to certified organic management based on maintaining high soil organic matter (SOM) content. Soil management techniques are discussed in relation to the high tunnel structure used and the length of the growing season, site preparation, soil health, SOM, irrigation water quality, and fertility, with a focus on certified organic management.

scholarly journals Integrated Pest Management and Biological Control in High Tunnel Production

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Pickett Pottorff ◽  
Karen L. Panter
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Integrated Pest Management ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Minor Crops

Crops grown in high tunnels are just as susceptible to pests and diseases as those grown under greenhouse and field conditions. Crops that lend themselves economically to this type of production system are edible and/or minor crops. Therefore, labeled pesticides for these crops are limited and sometimes nonexistent. However, there is a wide range of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies available to high tunnel producers. These strategies include biological control, which is often left out of traditional IPM programs when labeled pesticides are available. High tunnel production is very conducive to the inclusion of biological controls and allows for a truly IPM system. This article provides a selective overview of common arthropod pests and diseases encountered in high tunnels, as well as strategies that have potential for becoming best management practices in high tunnels with additional research.

scholarly journals High Tunnel and Field System Comparison for Spring Organic Lettuce Production in Georgia

HortScience ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1518-1524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theekshana C. Jayalath ◽  
George E. Boyhan ◽  
Elizabeth L. Little ◽  
Robert I. Tate ◽  
Suzanne O’Connell
Keyword(s):  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Romaine Lettuce ◽  
Planting Dates ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Average Relative Humidity ◽  
Disease Pressure ◽  
Tunnel System

High tunnels may help mitigate unfavorable climate and weather on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production leading to greater yields and quality, yet information for using these systems in the Southeast region is lacking. This study evaluated the effect of high tunnels and three planting dates (PDs) (early March, late-March, and mid-April) on spring organic lettuce production. A 25% to 36% increase in marketable fresh weight for butterhead and romaine lettuce, respectively, was observed under high tunnels compared with the field in 2016, but there was no difference among the two growing systems in 2015. High tunnel lettuce was harvested ≈2 to 7 days earlier than in the field in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Pest and disease pressure (e.g., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) as well as the incidence of physiological disorders (i.e., bolting, tip burn, and undersized heads) were similar between the two systems indicating that our high tunnel system did not provide a benefit for these issues. High tunnel air temperatures were ≈3 to 5 °C greater on the coldest mornings and only 1 °C greater on the warmest days compared with the field. Average relative humidity (RH), leaf wetness, and light levels were all lower under the high tunnels. Our results indicate that high tunnels can help increase the production of spring organic lettuce in Georgia, but that the advantage may depend on yearly weather conditions.

Overview of the Use of High Tunnels Worldwide

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Lamont
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Small Fruit ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
The World ◽  
Agricultural Census ◽  
Disease Pressure

High tunnels have been used for many years worldwide, but in the United States, the utilization of high tunnel technology for the production of horticultural crops is a relatively recent phenomenon. Single and multibay high tunnels are used throughout the world to extend the production season. One big advantage of high tunnels in the temperate and tropical regions of the world is the exclusion of rain, thus reducing the amount of disease pressure and crop loss while improving crop quality and shelf life. In temperate regions of the world, high tunnels are used to increase temperatures for crop production in spring, fall, and sometimes winter seasons. The use of high tunnels in their many forms continues to increase worldwide, and many different kinds of vegetables, small fruit, tree fruit, and flowers are being cultivated. One impediment in determining high tunnel usage worldwide is the failure of many authors and agricultural census takers to distinguish between high tunnels and plastic-covered greenhouses. In many instances, they are presented together under the heading “protected cultivation.”

scholarly journals High Tunnel and Organic Horticulture: Compost, Food Safety, and Crop Quality

HortScience ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Millner ◽  
Sara Reynolds ◽  
Xiangwu Nou ◽  
Donald Krizek
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Organic Horticulture ◽  
Organic Produce

High tunnels and protected horticultural structures provide organic and conventional growers with an economic means for extending the harvest season of fresh fruits and vegetables in a wide range of climate zones in North America and elsewhere. This report focuses on benefits associated with high tunnel production of fresh organic produce, including recent data on phytonutrient quality. In addition, this report discusses concerns and knowledge gaps associated with the use of composts and manures relative to food safety of fresh produce and survival of enteric pathogens in the moist, cool, reduced ultraviolet conditions often prevalent in high tunnels during cool-season production. The role of preplant and production elements of Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices applicable to high tunnel systems is provided.

scholarly journals Design and Construction of the Penn State High Tunnel

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Lamont ◽  
Martin R. McGann ◽  
Michael D. Orzolek ◽  
Nymbura Mbugua ◽  
Bruce Dye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
State University ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Penn State ◽  
Tunnel Design ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
Production Period ◽  
Design And Construction

Plasticulture technology, especially high tunnels for extending the production period of a wide variety of horticultural crops, is an accepted production practice worldwide. In particular, high tunnels offer a production system that minimizes the effect of the environment on crop production and allows growers to continue to farm in densely populated areas. Only recently has the use of high tunnels in the U.S. been investigated and this research has been centered in the northeastern U.S. In 1999 the High Tunnel Research and Education Facility was established at Pennsylvania State University that resulted in the development of a unique high tunnel design. A detailed description of the new design and construction is presented in this report.

scholarly journals Rowcover and High Tunnel Growing Systems in the United States

1996 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otho S. Wells
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Tunnel Construction ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Descriptive Information ◽  
Intensive Production ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Tunnel System

Rowcovers and high tunnels are two intensive production systems used by commercial growers to extend the season and to improve yields of vegetables and strawberries. There are many types of rowcovers. These materials are summarized with descriptive information, primary use, and cost. The basics of high tunnel construction are presented to facilitate setting up a high-tunnel system.

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