The Central Great Plains High Tunnel Horticulture Project

There is great interest by horticulture producers in the Central Great Plains in methods to extend the traditional growing season, increase value of crops and provide more locally grown produce. High tunnels are low-cost, unheated greenhouses that can accomplish these goals. In 2002, the Central Great Plains High Tunnel Project was initiated through funding support by the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS). The Univ. of Missouri, Kansas State Univ., and the Univ. of Nebraska have constructed 24 high tunnels to conduct research on vegetables, small fruits and cut flowers. Each year, a multi-state workshop is conducted along with several on-farm and research center tours. Growers are collaborating with extension personnel on projects ranging from high tunnel temperature management to pest management. A web site for high tunnel information has been constructed (www.hightunnels.org). Production guides on specific high tunnel crops have been printed. From 2002-03, a significant number of high tunnels have been constructed in the Central Great Plains.

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

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.20.3.639 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 639-645 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

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.

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Effects of Mulch Type and Planting Date on Tomato Earliness within a High Tunnel

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.39.4.867a ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 39 (4) ◽

pp. 867A-867

Author(s):

Lewis Jett* ◽

Andrew Read

Keyword(s):

Great Plains ◽

Plastic Mulch ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

Tomato Production ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Row Covers ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Clear Plastic ◽

Black Plastic ◽

Growing Conditions

High tunnels are passive solar greenhouses that are used to extend the traditional growing season for many horticulture crops. Growing conditions within a high tunnel are significantly different from growing conditions encountered in field production. Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) are wells suited for high tunnel culture having an upright growth habit and a significant economic premium for precocious harvest. The objective of this research was to investigate three planting dates (15 Mar., 30 Mar., and 10 Apr.) and three mulch types (black plastic, bareground, and clear plastic) with or without row covers, for early tomato production within a high tunnel in the Central Great Plains. High tunnels increased the average daily temperature by ≈6 °C. Early planting (i.e., mid- to late March) resulted in significantly earlier yield (i.e., early July). Using clear plastic mulch increased total marketable yield, but was not significantly different from black plastic. Row covers and plastic mulch are necessary for early tomato production. Row covers are specifically necessary for frost protection, but can be removed when the risk of frost has decreased.

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(84) Producing Cut Flowers in High Tunnels and Open Fields

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.41.4.1067d ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 1067D-1067

Author(s):

H. Chris Wien

Keyword(s):

Warm Season ◽

Single Layer ◽

Stem Length ◽

Pest Species ◽

Cut Flowers ◽

Eustoma Grandiflorum ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Season Extension ◽

Choice Of Species

Flowering plants grown and marketed locally as cut flowers have become economically important in recent years, concentrating on species that are too delicate to ship long distances. Although the bulk of this production is done outdoors, extending the season at both ends by using high tunnels (unheated greenhouse structures covered with a single layer of polyethylene), has become popular. To determine the advantages and drawbacks of using high tunnels as season extension structures for cut flowers, variety trials of seven and four flower species were conducted in 2004 and 2005, respectively, both in a high tunnel and in an adjacent field. In the cool, rainy 2004 season, plants in the tunnel were ready for harvest 20 days sooner than the same varieties outside. Outside plants had 25% more stems than tunnel-grown plants, but there was no difference in average stem length. In the dry, warm season of 2005, tunnel-grown plants were 8 days earlier, and had 58% more stems, which were increased in length by 16% over field-grown plants. Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) and snapdragons (Antirrhinum) were grown in both seasons, and gave similar results both times. Tunnel-grown lisianthus showed a 34% increase in stems per plant, and an 8% increase in stem length, and the stems could be harvested 8 days earlier. Snapdragons were 9 days earlier in the tunnel both years, but tunnel-grown plants produced 22% fewer stems. Disease and insect pressures occurred in both locations, but pest species causing problems differed. With careful choice of species to be grown in tunnels, cut flower production in this environment can be optimized.

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Exploring the Relationship between Farmers’ Innovativeness and Their Values and Aims

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11205571 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (20) ◽

pp. 5571 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Peter Walder ◽

Franz Sinabell ◽

Fabian Unterlass ◽

Andreas Niedermayr ◽

Denisa Fulgeanu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Agricultural Education ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Food Systems ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

Environmentally Benign ◽

Innovation Research ◽

Innovative Capabilities ◽

Agriculture And Food ◽

On Farm ◽

The Relationship

To meet global demands towards food security, safety as well as sustainable agriculture and food systems innovative approaches are inevitable. Despite the growing body of literature in both innovation research and in values and aims, what has been explored to a lesser extent is the bridging link between these areas. This study represents a first step in addressing this relationship. Policy- and decision-makers foster sustainable innovation in agriculture, since on-farm innovation and innovation adoption have attracted their attention as a means of enhancing competitiveness as well as socially and environmentally benign farming also benefiting rural areas. By using a negative binomial model we explore the relationship between farmers’ innovativeness and those values and aims which guide farmers’ farm-management decisions as well as other farm/farmer characteristics. Based on a sample of 174 Austrian farmers agricultural education is found to be an essential driver of innovativeness. Regarding the different values we find that self-direction and hedonistic values, in contrast to achievement and economic, are associated with more innovative capabilities. In conclusion, we see a need to foster self-direction and hedonistic narratives in policy and extension service, together with reducing the focus on an economic angle to promote farmers’ innovation capabilities.

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The Economics of Low-cost High Tunnels for Winter Vegetable Production in the Southwestern United States

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.24.1.7 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 7-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Emmanuel Alves Dos Santos Hecher ◽

Constance L. Falk ◽

Juliette Enfield ◽

Steven J. Guldan ◽

Mark E. Uchanski

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Sensitivity Analysis ◽

Double Layer ◽

Low Cost ◽

Appropriate Technology ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Southwestern United States ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Tunnel Design

Relatively little season extension research has been conducted in the southwestern United States, particularly with low-cost high tunnels or hoop houses for small-scale farmers. In this study, the economics of winter production of two leafy crops [lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea)] in high tunnels in two locations in New Mexico were investigated, first using a simulation analysis in which yields were stochastic variables followed by a sensitivity analysis to examine returns from the high tunnel designs more closely. The returns examined in the sensitivity analysis were net of high tunnel materials, crop seed cost, and electricity. Two planting dates were tested and three high tunnel designs were examined: a single layer covering the house (SL), a double layer inflated with air (DL), and a double layer inflated with air and containing black water barrels to store heat (DL+B). The SL and DL designs appear to be the more appropriate technology for both locations for spinach, whereas for lettuce the DL+B model might be a reasonable option in Alcalde, a more-northern location. Overall, the SL and DL models provided adequate protection for growing crops, were less expensive to build, provided more interior growing space, and resulted in higher probabilities of producing positive returns, compared with the DL+B design. The DL design performed similarly to the SL design, but required running electricity to the structure to power the inflation fan, adding to the cost. As a result, expected returns in all cases were higher using the SL design based on the results of the sensitivity analyses. Combining the risk and the sensitivity analyses provides growers with a unique evaluation process to make high tunnel design, planting date, and crop choices.

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Floral Crop Production in High Tunnels

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/hortsci.19.1.56 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 56-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

H. Chris Wien

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Warm Season ◽

Cut Flower ◽

Cut Flowers ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Flower Production ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Celosia Argentea ◽

Low Tunnels ◽

High Level

High tunnels are well suited for use in the production of floral crops, especially cut flowers. Through the increases in temperature afforded at both ends of the growing season, high tunnels allow earlier and later harvests than are possible in the field. During summer, rain protection and a relatively calm environment provides an ideal growing environment to cut flower crops. In U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 3 through 5, the higher temperatures of a high tunnel permit culture of warm-season crops like celosia (Celosia argentea) during summer. Cut flower production allows intensive production on a small land area and provides a high level of income. For these reasons, high tunnels have become a standard part of cut flower growers' farms. Most commonly, they are single-bay structures with roll-up sides, but use of multi-bay complexes is becoming more popular for larger-scale growers. In USDA Hardiness Zones of 7 and higher, high tunnels are shaded in summer to lower interior temperatures and enhance production of shade-tolerant species. Overall, techniques of moderating temperature extremes with shading and ventilation, or use of low tunnels inside to increase minimum temperatures are important options for cut flower production. In the presentation, comparisons will be made in growth and earliness of production and yield for several cut flower species grown in the field and an adjacent high tunnel.

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Improving Snapdragon Cut Flower Production through High Tunnel Season Extension, Transplant Timing, and Cultivar Selection

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci15910-21 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 56 (10) ◽

pp. 1206-1212

Author(s):

Maegen Lewis ◽

Melanie Stock ◽

Brent Black ◽

Dan Drost ◽

Xin Dai

Keyword(s):

High Elevation ◽

Stem Length ◽

Cut Flower ◽

Cut Flowers ◽

High Tunnel ◽

Cultivar Selection ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Season Extension ◽

Long Stem ◽

Advanced Production

The demand for locally grown, specialty cut flowers is increasing and now includes nontraditional regions for production, such as the U.S. Intermountain West. The objective of this study was to evaluate snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) as a cool season, cut flower crop in northern Utah, where the high elevation and semiarid climate result in a short growing season with strong daily temperature fluctuations. High tunnel and field production methods were trialed in North Logan, UT (41.77°N, 111.81°W, 1382 m elevation) with cultivars ‘Chantilly’, ‘Potomac’, and ‘Rocket’ in 2018 and 2019. Each year, five to six transplant timings at 3-week intervals were tested, beginning in early February in high tunnels and ending in late May in an unprotected field. Stems were harvested and graded according to quality and stem length. High tunnels advanced production by 5 to 8 weeks, whereas field harvests continued beyond the high tunnel harvests by 2 to 8 weeks. High tunnels yielded 103 to 110 total stems per m2 (65% to 89% marketability), whereas field yields were 111 to 162 total stems per m2 (34% to 58% marketability). Overall, production was the greatest with March transplant timings in the high tunnels and mid-April transplant timings in the field. ‘Chantilly’ consistently bloomed the earliest on 4 and 6 May each year, ‘Potomac’ had the highest percentage of long stem lengths, and ‘Rocket’ extended marketable stem production through July in high tunnels. Selecting optimal transplant dates in the high tunnel and field based on cultivar bloom timing maximizes marketable yields and results in a harvest window lasting 4.5 months.

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Penn State High Tunnel Extension Program

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.12.4.732 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 732-735 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

William J. Lamont ◽

Michael D. Orzolek ◽

E. Jay Holcomb ◽

Robert M. Crassweller ◽

Kathy Demchak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Applied Research ◽

Cut Flowers ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels ◽

Penn State ◽

Programming Effort ◽

Service Training ◽

Tunnel Design ◽

Research And Education

The Center for Plasticulture's High Tunnel Research and Education Facility was established at Pennsylvania State University in 1999. Since its inception, applied research has been conducted at this facility by a team of researchers and extension specialists on the development of a new high tunnel design. The development of crop production recommendations for vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits and cut flowers grown in high tunnels has been a priority. To complement the applied research program, an aggressive extension education program was developed to extend information on the technology of high tunnels to county extension personnel, growers, industry representatives, students, master gardeners and the general public. The extension programming effort consisting of demonstration high tunnels, field days, tours, in-service training, publications and presentations made at winter meetings will be discussed in the report below.

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Enhancing the Glopan Food Systems Framework by Integrating Gender: Relevance for Women in African Agriculture

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13158564 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 8564

Author(s):

Elizabeth Mkandawire ◽

Melody Mentz-Coetzee ◽

Margaret Najjingo Mangheni ◽

Eleonora Barusi

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Social Systems ◽

Gender Inequalities ◽

Gender Barriers ◽

Nutrition Security ◽

African Agriculture ◽

Agriculture And Food ◽

Systems Framework

Globally, gender inequalities constrain food security, with women often disproportionately affected. Women play a fundamental role in household food and nutrition security. The multiple roles women play in various areas of the food system are not always recognised. This oversight emerges from an overemphasis on one aspect of the food system, without considering how this area might affect or be affected by another aspect. This study aimed to draw on international commitments and treaties using content analysis to enhance the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Security food systems framework by integrating a gender perspective. The study found that generally, there is a consensus on specific actions that can be taken to advance gender equality at specific stages of the food system. However, governance and social systems constraints that are not necessarily part of the food system, but have a significant bearing on men and women’s capacity to effectively participate in the food system, need to be addressed. While the proposed conceptual framework has some limitations, it offers a foundation on which researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders can begin conceptualising the interconnectedness of gender barriers in the food system.

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Using seed respiration as a tool for calculating optimal soaking times for ‘on-farm’ seed priming of barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Seed Science Research ◽

10.1017/s0960258521000039 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Javier Carrillo-Reche ◽

Adrian C. Newton ◽

Richard S. Quilliam

Keyword(s):

Morphological Changes ◽

Low Cost ◽

Germination Rate ◽

Seed Priming ◽

Embryonic Axes ◽

Seedling Vigour ◽

Soaking Time ◽

On Farm ◽

Seed Respiration

Abstract A low-cost technique named ‘on-farm’ seed priming is increasingly being recognized as an effective approach to maximize crop establishment. It consists of anaerobically soaking seeds in water before sowing resulting in rapid and uniform germination, and enhanced seedling vigour. The extent of these benefits depends on the soaking time. The current determination of optimal soaking time by germination assays and mini-plot trials is resource-intensive, as it is species/genotype-specific. This study aimed to determine the potential of the seed respiration rate (an indicator of metabolic activity) and seed morphological changes during barley priming as predictors of the priming benefits and, thus, facilitate the determination of optimal soaking times. A series of germination tests revealed that the germination rate is mostly attributable to the rapid hydration of embryo tissues, as the highest gains in the germination rate occurred before the resumption of respiration. Germination uniformity, however, was not significantly improved until seeds were primed for at least 8 h, that is, after a first respiration burst was initiated. The maximum seedling vigour was attained when the priming was stopped just before the beginning of the differentiation of embryonic axes (20 h) after which vigour began to decrease (‘over-priming’). The onset of embryonic axis elongation was preceded by a second respiration burst, which can be used as a marker for priming optimization. Thus, monitoring of seed respiration provides a rapid and inexpensive alternative to the current practice. The method could be carried out by agricultural institutions to provide recommended optimal soaking times for the common barley varieties within a specific region.

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