scholarly journals Visual Assessments of Biodegradable Mulch Deterioration Are Not Indicative of Changes in Mechanical Properties

HortScience ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy S. Cowan ◽  
Arnold M. Saxton ◽  
Hang Liu ◽  
Karen K. Leonas ◽  
Debra Inglis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mechanical Strength ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Agricultural Field ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Biodegradable Mulch ◽  
Visual Assessments

The functionality of biodegradable mulch can be evaluated in agricultural field settings by visually assessing mulch intactness over time (a measure of deterioration), but it is unclear if mulch deterioration is indicative of mulch degradation as measured by mechanical properties (like breaking force and elongation). This 3-year study (2010–12) examined mulch percent visual deterioration (PVD) during the summer growing season in open-field and high tunnel production systems, and compared these to mulch mechanical properties at mulch installation (12–30 May), midseason (22 July–9 Aug.), and season end (6–25 Oct.), to determine if the field-based measures reliably predict degradation as revealed by changes in mulch mechanical properties. Four different types of biodegradable mulches [two plastic film mulches marketed as biodegradable (BioAgri and BioTelo); one fully biodegradable paper mulch (WeedGuardPlus); and, one experimental spunbonded plastic mulch designed to biodegrade (SBPLA)] were evaluated against a standard nonbiodegradable polyethylene (PE) mulch where tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Celebrity) was planted as the model crop. Each year for the 3 years, PVD increased earlier for WeedGuardPlus than the other mulches in both the high tunnel and open field, and WeedGuardPlus had the greatest PVD in both high tunnels and the open field (6% and 48%, respectively). Mechanical strength of WeedGuardPlus also declined by the end of the season both in the high tunnel (up to 46% reduction) and in the open field (up to 81% reduction). PVD of BioAgri and BioTelo reached a maximum of 3% in the high tunnel and 28% in the open field by the end of the season. Mechanical strength of BioAgri and BioTelo did not change over the course of the season in either the open field or high tunnel, even though the ability of these mulches to elongate or stretch declined 89% in the open field and 82% in the high tunnel. SBPLA and PE mulches did not show a change in PVD or mechanical properties in either the high tunnel or the open field. Overall, PVD was three to six times greater by midseason in the open field than in the high tunnels. Although there were significant relationships between visual assessments and various mechanical properties for each mulch except SBPLA, the relationships differed for each mulch when evaluated separately and had coefficients of determination (R2) below 30%. Furthermore, PVD overestimated mechanical deterioration of BioAgri and BioTelo. Results of this study indicate that mulch visual assessments may reflect general trends in changes in certain mechanical properties of the mulch; however, visual assessment and mechanical properties provide different information on deterioration. Each should be used as needed, but not as a substitute for each other.

scholarly journals Growing Organic Heirloom Tomatoes in the Field and High Tunnels in North Carolina: Comparative Economic Analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olha Sydorovych ◽  
Cary L. Rivard ◽  
Suzanne O’Connell ◽  
Chris D. Harlow ◽  
Mary M. Peet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels

In this study, we conducted an economic analysis of high tunnel and open-field production systems of heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) based on a two-year study at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) located in Goldsboro, eastern North Carolina. The research site was transitional organic using organically certified inputs and practices on land not yet certified. Production costs and returns were documented in each system and provide a useful decision tool for growers. Climatic conditions varied dramatically in 2007 compared with 2008 and differentially affected total and marketable yields in each system. Profits were higher in the open-field system and the high tunnels in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using a range of market prices from $1.60/lb to $3.60/lb and a range of fruit marketability levels from 35% to 80%. Both systems were profitable except at the lowest price point and the lowest percent marketability level in high tunnel in 2007. At $2.60/lb, seasonal average sale price reported by growers for this region, and depending on percent marketability levels, the payback period for high tunnels ranged from two to five years. Presented sensitivity tables will enable decision makers to knowledgably estimate economic potential of open-field and high tunnel systems based on expected local prices and fruit quality parameters.

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.

Effect of a High Tunnel, Organic Cropping System on Lettuce Diseases in Western Washington

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Marianne Powell ◽  
Jeremy Cowan ◽  
Carol Miles ◽  
Debra Ann Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Gray Mold ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Lettuce Drop ◽  
Field Plots

Incidence of gray mold and lettuce drop, and yield of six cultivars representing market classes Boston/Crisphead, Leaf, and Romaine, were evaluated in open ended high tunnel and open field organic production systems near Mount Vernon, WA from 2010 to 2012. Each year seedlings were transplanted in April and heads harvested in June/July. In 2010, Romaine types had significantly (P < 0.0001) greater incidence of gray mold (caused by Botrytis cinerea) than other types. In 2011, incidence of gray mold was significantly (P = 0.004) greater in high tunnel than open field plots, and greatest in high tunnels when fog persisted. All cultivars were equally susceptible to lettuce drop (caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), although in 2012, incidence was significantly (P < 0.0001) greater in high tunnel than open field plots. ‘Green Star’ (Leaf type) had reduced incidence of gray mold and lettuce drop in 2010 and 2011. Incidence of tipburn was significantly (P = 0.032 and P = 0.001, respectively) greater in the high tunnels in 2011 and 2012 compared to the open field. Total yield (kg) was greater in the open field in 2012, but not in 2011 and 2010. Accepted for publication 8 July 2013. Published 22 September 2013.

scholarly journals Effects of Three Production Systems on Muskmelon Yield and Quality in New England

HortScience ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 510-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mina Vescera ◽  
Rebecca Nelson Brown
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Low Tunnels ◽  
Tunnel System ◽  
Field Production

Muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.) are routinely grown on black plastic mulch, as the associated increase in soil temperatures, more stable soil moisture, and decreased weed competition result in higher yields than in bare soil production. However, mulch does little to moderate air temperature, which can be below optimum for melon production under New England conditions. One option for increasing air temperature is to grow plants in unheated hoophouses, or high tunnels. Another option is to use low tunnels consisting of ventilated clear plastic rowcovers supported over wire hoops. This study compared low tunnels and high tunnels to open field production for muskmelon production in a peri-urban market farm system in Rhode Island. Five hybrid muskmelon cultivars were grown for 2 years to compare earliness, yield, and fruit quality among the three production systems. Both tunnel systems increased the rate at which growing degree-days (GDD) accumulated relative to open field production, and resulted in statistically significant differences in starting date of first harvest, with fruit in the high tunnel treatment ripening first. The high tunnel production system increased yields per hectare in both years relative to the other production systems due to increased planting density, but not due to increased yields per plant. Marketable yields per hectare from the high tunnel system significantly exceeded those from the open field for four out of the five cultivars in 2011, but for only one out of five cultivars in 2012. Marketable yields from the low tunnel system were ≈10% higher than the open field in 2011, and almost double the open field yields in 2012. Fruit from the low tunnels had the highest concentration of soluble solids in both years. The high tunnel production system did not increase yields sufficiently to offset the associated increase in costs of production, suggesting that muskmelon is not a good crop for high tunnel production in New England. In contrast, a yield increase of only 15% would be sufficient to offset the increased costs of employing the low tunnel production system. Low tunnels have the potential to greatly benefit muskmelon production in New England, particularly in years or locations where GDD accumulate slowly.

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

HortScience ◽  
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.

scholarly journals High Tunnel Apricot Production in Frost-prone Northern New Mexico

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-460
Author(s):  
Shengrui Yao ◽  
Steve Guldan ◽  
Robert Heyduck
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
Open Field ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Prunus Armeniaca ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
Spindle System ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
High Yields

Late frost is the number one issue challenging fruit production in northern New Mexico. We had apricot (Prunus armeniaca) trees in an open field planting at Alcalde, NM, and not a single fruit was harvested from 2001 through 2014. Apricot trees in surrounding communities produce sporadic crops. In 2012, we planted apricots in two 16 × 40-ft high tunnels (9.5-ft high point). Trees were trained to a spindle system in one high tunnel and an upright fruiting offshoot (UFO) system in the other, and there were identical plantings in the open field for each high tunnel. Supplemental heating was provided starting at blooming time. There were five cultivars planted in each high tunnel at 4 × 8-ft spacing in a randomized complete block design with two replications (rows) and two trees per cultivar in each plot. In 2015, relatively high yields were obtained from all cultivars. The average yields for the spindle system were (lb/tree): ‘Puget Gold’ (29.0), ‘Harcot’ (24.1), ‘Golden Amber’ (19.6), ‘Chinese Apricot’ (18.6), and ‘Katy’ (16.7). Yields for the UFO system were (lb/tree): ‘Golden Amber’ (18.6), ‘Katy’ (14.9), ‘Puget Gold’ (11.3), ‘Chinese Apricot’ (10.2), and ‘Harcot’ (8.6). On average across all cultivars, the UFO system produced 60% of the yield of the spindle system in 2015. A heating device is necessary for high tunnel apricot fruit production in northern New Mexico because trees normally bloom in early to late March, depending on the year, while frosts can continue until mid-May. In years like 2017 and 2018 with temperatures below 10 °F in late February/early March, some of the expanded flower buds were killed before bloom. On those cold nights, one 100-lb tank of propane may or may not be enough for 1 night’s frost protection. Economically, it would not be feasible in those years. Only in years with a cool spring, late-blooming trees, and mild temperatures in April and May can high tunnel apricot production generate positive revenue with high, direct-market prices. High tunnel apricot production with heating devices is still risky and cannot guarantee a reliable crop in northern New Mexico or similar areas.

scholarly journals Summer Production of Lettuce, and Microclimate in High Tunnel and Open Field Plots in Kansas

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Zhao ◽  
Edward E. Carey
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Marked Change ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Daily Maximum ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Open Fields

High tunnels have been shown to be a profitable season-extending production tool for many horticultural crops. Production of cool-season vegetables during the hot summer months represents a challenge to market growers in the midwestern United States. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the microclimate and production of eight leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivars in high tunnels and open fields, using unshaded and shaded (39% white shadecloth) tunnels in Summer 2002 and 2003, respectively. Wind speed was consistently lower in high tunnels with the sidewalls and endwalls open. An unshaded high tunnel resulted in an increase of daily maximum and minimum air temperatures by ≈0.2 and 0.3 °C, respectively, in comparison with the open field. In contrast, daily maximum air temperature in a shaded high tunnel decreased by 0.4 °C, while the daily minimum air temperature was higher than that in the open field by 0.5 °C. Using high tunnels did not cause a marked change in relative humidity compared with the open field. When using shadecloth, the daily maximum soil temperature was lowered by ≈3.4 °C and the leaf surface temperature was reduced by 1.5 to 2.5 °C. The performance of lettuce during summer trials varied significantly among cultivars. Unshaded high tunnels generally led to more rapid bolting and increased bitterness of lettuce compared with the open field. Lettuce grown in high tunnels covered by shadecloth had a lower bolting rate, but decreased yield relative to the open field. Based on our results, summer lettuce production would not be recommended in high tunnels or open fields in northeastern Kansas, although the potential of shaded high tunnels deserves further studies. Reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) was estimated from meteorological data on a daily basis using the FAO-56 method. The ET0 was lowest in the shaded high tunnel and was the highest in the open field. Relatively lower ET0 in high tunnels indicated a likely lower water requirement and therefore improved water use efficiency compared with the open field.

scholarly journals Fertilizer Source and High Tunnel Production Environment Affect Antioxidant Levels of Pac Choi

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 1000D-1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Zhao ◽  
Edward E. Carey ◽  
Takeo Iwamoto
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
Organic Fertilization ◽  
Fertilizer Rate ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Phytochemical Content ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Pac Choi ◽  
Field Plots

An experiment was conducted at Olathe, Kan., in Spring 2004 to investigate the influence of organic and conventional fertilizer sources and application rates on antioxidant levels of pac choi (Brassica rapa L. cv. Mei Qing) in open fields and poly-covered high-tunnel plots. Organic plots received pre-plant application of composted cattle manure and alfalfa (Hu-More 1–1–1) at 0 kg/ha N, 156 kg/ha N, or 314 kg/ha N, and conventional plots received preplant application of 13N–13P–13K at 0 kg/ha N, 78 kg/ha N, or 156 kg/ha N. Antioxidant levels were measured using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. There were significant effects of fertilizer source and high-tunnel environment on the antioxidant capacity of pac choi. Organic fertilization significantly increased hydrophilic ORAC of pac choi in open field plots, but not in high tunnels. Regardless of the fertilizer source, pac choi grown in the open field had significantly higher hydrophilic ORAC than that grown in tunnels. Lipophilic ORAC was significantly increased by organic fertilization but was not affected by high-tunnel production. Total ORAC (hydrophilic + lipophilic) was significantly higher in pac choi from organic or open-field plots, compared to conventional and high-tunnel plots, respectively. Although fertilizer rate did not show significant impact on antioxidant level of pac choi, hydrophilic and total ORAC seemed to decrease as the fertilizer rate increased, especially under conventional fertilization, while lipophilic ORAC reached the highest level at the medium fertilizer rate. Differences in antioxidant levels were likely associated with the enhanced phytochemical content of pac choi from organically fertilized and open-field plots.

scholarly journals The Performance of Representative Asian Vegetables in Different Production Systems in Texas

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1874
Author(s):  
Genhua Niu ◽  
Joseph Masabni ◽  
Triston Hooks ◽  
Daniel Leskovar ◽  
John Jifon
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
High Yield ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Leafy Greens ◽  
Postharvest Management

Demand for Asian vegetables is rising rapidly due to changing demographics and increasing consumer awareness of their health benefits. However, growers are not familiar with growing these “foreign” crops due to insufficient technical information regarding suitable cultivars for different regions, production schedules, disease and pest susceptibility, and postharvest management. The objective of this study was to conduct trials in different production systems and climate regions to demonstrate the potential of growing Asian vegetables in Texas. We conducted preliminary trials of nine leafy greens in the open field, high tunnel, and greenhouse (container and hydroponic production) to explore the suitability and potential for year-round production. We also conducted field trials for warm season crops in the open field in different climate zones. Results indicated that for cool season leafy greens, open field production has a limited growing season, high tunnel has the potential to extend the growing season, while greenhouse may provide year-round production using soilless substrate container culture or hydroponic system. For warm season crops, early planting is recommended for high yield. Additional research is warranted in different regions to test more species and cultivars and optimize the production system of high-performing cultivars to maximize production and profitability.

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