SARE Nationwide Learning Center

High Tunnel Specialty Crop Production in Colorado

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:10:54 PDT

This hour-long webinar was conducted in April 2011 by Colorado State University Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It addressed:

Introduction to high tunnels
Design considerations
Summer production
Winter production
Economics
Future Research Needs

Watch now. The webinar will open in your web browser. An Adobe Connect plugin may be required.

2003 High Tunnel Production Manual

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:58:17 PDT

Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - A Short History of Protected Horticulture: World and Regional Perspectives
Chapter 3 - High Tunnel Construction and Maintenance
Chapter 4 - High Tunnel Planting: Bed Arrangements and Tillage Considerations
Chapter 5 - High Tunnel Irrigation Options
Chapter 6 - The High Tunnel Cropping Environment: Understanding How Things Work
Chapter 7 - High Tunnel: Integrated Pest Management: Insects and Mites
Chapter 8 - High Tunnel Disease Management
Chapter 9 - High Tunnel Nutrient Management: Fertilizers, Composts, and Cover Crops
Chapter 10 - High Tunnel Mulching Options
Chapter 11 - High Tunnel Vegetable Crop Production
Chapter 12 - High Tunnel Berry Production
Chapter 13 - High Tunnel Sweet Cherry Production
Chapter 14 - High Tunnel Cut Flower Production
Chapter 15 - The Economics of High Tunnel Production
Chapter 16 - Marketing High Tunnel Crops
Chapter 17 - The Environmental Impact of Plasticulture Technology: Considerations and Initiatives

Greenhouse IPM with an Emphasis on Biocontrols

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:11:52 PDT

This manual was designed by the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program to help greenhouse growers implement biological control and integrated pest management (IPM).

It begins with an introduction to IPM and its principles, information on starting an IPM/biocontrol program and using compatible pesticides, and then addresses many of the most common greenhouse pests and their biocontrols. The emphasis throughout is biocontrol.

This manual is designed to educate commercial greenhouse operators, crop consultants and IPM scouts.

Specialty Crop Production in High Tunnels

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:46:52 PDT

A three-year, SARE-funded project focused on developing fruit and vegetable systems suited to high tunnel production in the high-elevation arid Intermountain West. Successful systems were developed for lettuce, tomato, squash and strawberry production. Work with brambles showed that methods suited to other regions were not locally appropriate.

The following Utah State University Cooperative Extension fact sheets were developed in connection with this research:

High Tunnel Strawberry Production.pdf 1.28 MB

Strawberry Plug Plant Production.pdf 942.96 kB

High Tunnel Summer Squash Production.pdf 679.51 kB

Fall-bearing Raspberries in High Tunnels.pdf 470.72 kB

High Tunnel Tomato Production.pdf 733.20 kB

High Tunnel Lettuce in Utah.pdf 732.30 kB

Rainwater Catchment from a High Tunnel for Irrigation Use

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:42:56 PDT

This Iowa State University Extension video describes how to build a system to catch, store and reuse the rainwater for irrigation in a high tunnel. The cost of installing rain gutters, rainwater storage tanks, and an electric pump is estimated at $1,200. A solar-powered pumping system will add approximately $700 to that cost.

An associated fact sheet is available.

Constructing a Low-Cost High Tunnel

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:09:26 PDT

This fact sheet by Utah State University Cooperative Extension includes specs, diagrams, photos and key considerations when constructing a high tunnel.

Design and Construction of a High Tunnel in West Virginia

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:35:11 PDT

This fact sheet from West Virginia University Extension describes details of high tunnel design and construction, with specific considerations for West Virginia.

High Tunnel Winter Cropping Systems

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:41:01 PDT

A 40-minute presentation by Lewis Jett, West Virginia Extension Service, on the use of high tunnels for winter crop production.

Watch the presentation with audio online, or download separate audio/slideshow files:

Download audio (MP3, 15MB)
Download slideshow (PDF, 10MB)

High Tunnels

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:56:10 PDT

Table of contents

Case Studies-----------------------------2
High Tunnels and Marketing--------23
Site Considerations--------------------26
Selecting Your Structure-----------28
Construction Tips---------------------40
Environmental Management--------47
Soil and Crop Management---------54
Pest Management--------------------60

The manual was written by Ted Blomgren of Cornell Cooperative Extension and Tracy Frisch of the Regional Farm and Food Project, with Pennsylvania farmer Steve Moore. It was published by the University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

Along with this manual, a 45-minute DVD video was created.

Semiochemical-Based Trapping Method for Weevil Pests on Guam

outreach@sare.org (Stacie Clary) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:06:58 PST

Semiochemical-based trapping methods were developed for the control of the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus), the New Guinea sugarcane weevil (Rhabdoscelus obscurus) and the sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Photos of trapping systems, as well as trapping dates, were collected and developed into an instruction manual along with the developed methods. General trapping methods on Guam were subjected to various semiochemical-based lures, which characterizes local production. The semiochemical-based trapping method were photographed and lures were evaluated for use. A survey of 10 farms was conducted to evaluate current growers’ knowledge and farm practices. Crops were evaluated for the nature of pest damage and symptoms based on the semiochemical-based trapping method. A follow-up survey was conducted on these same farms at the end of the project to evaluate the impact of the capacity building on agriculture professionals and the impact a field day had on their knowledge and practices. The guide covers the relationship between semiochemicals and overall crop production/health on Guam for four different methods.

Saving Money

outreach@sare.org (Stacie Clary) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:48:38 PST

Many people believe that livestock degrade rangelands and riparian ecosystems, and that the only solution is to protect waterways with fencing or to remove livestock from rangelands altogether. Livestock have also been blamed for decreased biodiversity and an increase in invasive species. Meanwhile economic pressures, combined with these societal and environmental concerns, make it increasingly difficult for agricultural-based businesses to survive and thrive.

Two and a half decades of research demonstrate that the solution to these problems may be the animals themselves. By understanding principles of behavior, livestock practices can be modified to change the behavior of animals. The foundation is simple: behavior depends on consequences. Positive consequences increase and negative consequences decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring. Understanding animal behavior will in many cases allow managers to shape our animals to fit our landscapes rather than using expensive machinery and herbicides to alter rangelands to fit animals. This project sought to highlight four behavioral modification practices for improving rangeland health and reducing the cost of production.

Beth Burritt of Utah State University and her partners created a DVD/CD multimedia project entitled Saving money and Improving Landscapes: The Economics of Behavior. The project includes four video segments on the economics of behavior. They are: 1) Improve Rangeland Use and Profitability: Using Low Moisture Block to Extend the Grazing Season, 2) Reduce Feed Costs and Improve Feed Efficiency: Let Animals Mix their Own Diets, 3) Improve Rangeland Use and Profitability: Herding and Low Stress Handling, and 4) Cost Effective Weed Management: Training Cows to Eat Them.

In addition to the videos, visit the BEHAVE website.

Project products are developed as part of SARE grants. They are made available with support from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within project products do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Organic Control of White Mold in High Tunnels

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:19:50 PST

The fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infects many of the cool-season crops produced in Kentucky. This SARE-funded video presents information on the high tunnel production system most commonly used in Kentucky; the disease cycle of S. sclerotiorum; and two control tactics compatible with national organic standards, solarization and biofumigation.

Predatory Mites for Organic Thrips Control in High Tunnel Cucumbers

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:57:16 PST

A presentation of grant-funded research on biological control methods in New York, including cultural practices, plant resistance, grafting, rotations, sprays and beneficials.

Cover Crops and No-Till Management for Organic Systems

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:21:01 PST

This Rodale Institute fact sheet reviews the use of cover crops and no-till in organic systems, including selection, establishment and mechanical termination of cover crops; crop rotations; and energy and production budgets.

Grafting Tomatoes in Multi-Bay High Tunnels as a Way to Overcome Soil-Borne Diseases

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:49:49 PST

This presentation summarizes a 2008 grant to evaluate ‘Maxifort’ rootstock for its ability to manage verticillium wilt and other soil-borne diseases. Research was done on Steve Groff's Cedar Meadow Farm in Pennsylvania.

Grafting for Disease Management in Organic Tomato Production

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:51:48 PST

Come learn about tomato grafting and how it can be utilized to manage diseases in organic open-field and high tunnel systems. Frank Louws of North Carolina State University and Cary Rivard of Kansas State University will provide information regarding rootstock selection as well as the grafting procedure itself. The webinar will be recorded and will be available on this page for later viewing.

Watch the webinar now.

Basic Pest Management of Insects and Mites in High Tunnels

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:22:50 PST

This presentation presents an overview of key pest management topics: cultural practices, plant resistance, the use of beneficial insects, grafting and sprays.

Season-Long Strawberry Production with Everbearers for Northeastern Producers

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:57:13 PST

The primary purpose of this 70-page guide is to provide the opportunity for growers in the eastern United States to grow everbearing strawberries profitably. Information gained from research trials are shared with growers in addition to the observations and experiences of the guide’s authors and other significant contributors.

Late-season Strawberry Production Using Day-neutral Cultivars in High-elevation High Tunnels

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:43:24 PST

Journal article discussing research trials involving day-neutral cultivars, high tunnels, low tunnels and targeted heating in North Logan, Utah, to extend the availability of local strawberries.

HortScience, November 2011.

Perennial Forage Revitalizes Rangeland

outreach@sare.org (Andy Zieminski) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:05:27 PST

Pervasive cheatgrass has long posed a threat to ranchers and their communities in the Intermountain West. Edging out native perennials and taking over entire rangelands, the annual weed compromises forage value for livestock, destabilizes soil, increases risk of wildfire and diminishes wildlife habitat.

“We’ve reached a point where a lot of times we can’t directly reseed natives into the environment. The soils have been changed” by years of dominance by cheatgrass, says Blair Waldron, a plant geneticist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Utah.

But there is new hope in forage kochia, a perennial shrub that Waldron and his colleagues have demonstrated is a stiff competitor against cheatgrass in semi-arid environments and provides excellent, protein-rich forage for cattle. Another promising strategy lies in grass-legume mixes, also a subject of Waldron’s research.

In four years of SARE-funded research, Waldron, Utah State University Beef Extension Specialist Dale ZoBell and others demonstrated forage kochia’s adaptability to semi-arid western rangelands. They found pastures combining kochia and crested wheatgrass yielded six times more forage than comparison plots of crested wheatgrass alone, largely due to kochia’s tolerance of drought.

In previous research, they demonstrated the profitability of this nutritious blend: Grazing cattle on kochia and crested wheatgrass from November through January cost participating ranchers 25 percent less than feeding alfalfa hay, and resulted in similar body condition scores.

“We concluded these cows that were on forage kochia were near optimal for calving and rebreeding,” Waldron says.

By establishing forage kochia on rangeland damaged by invasive weeds, less land would be needed to manage more beef cattle. This allows other land to rest, Waldron says. Additionally, because kochia is perennial, it can act as a barrier against wildfires that feed off dead annual weeds.

Waldron has begun a more recently funded SARE project to further expand a rancher’s toolbox, by exploring the potential of grass-legume pastures to meet nitrogen needs while promoting environmental stewardship. Says Waldron, “In the mid-1950s pastures had legumes, but legumes in pastures have become a thing of the past.”

Through on-farm research in southern Idaho and Utah starting in 2011, Waldron and his team plan to compare grass monocultures with low- and high-tannin grass-legume mixtures, anticipating that high-tannin legumes may reduce potential problems with excess nitrogen in a grazing system. They hope to develop recommendations for which species and grass-legume ratios optimize a ranch’s economic and environmental sustainability.

Waldron’s focus now is on different varieties of the shrub, a widespread forage in its native Central Eurasia. One promising variety leads to yields almost double the variety he has been promoting and grows nearly a foot taller, making it more accessible in deep snow.

View a video presentation by Waldron discussing his forage kochia research.