Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2016: $252,542.00
Projected End Date: 09/30/2019
Grant Recipient:
Virginia Tech
Region: Southern
State: Virginia
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Mark Reiter
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Co-Investigators:
Dr. Ramon Arancibia
University of Missouri Extension
Description:
Cool season vegetable crops may also benefit from low tunnels (LTs) by enhancing vegetative growth and development.This study compared investigated microenvironmental conditions, growth and production, and water requirements and use efficiency in brussels sprouts grown under LTs and open field. Low tunnels increased minimum soil temperature in all trials. By contrast, LTs reduced evapotranspiration in spite of increased temperatures. Therefore, water needs and irrigation decreased. Furthermore, vegetative growth, yield and water-use efficiency increased. Consequently, LTs may be a useful management tool in sustainable production systems in addition to their traditional role for season extension.
Type:
Peer-reviewed Journal Article
Target audiences:
Farmers/Ranchers; Educators; Researchers
Ordering info:
American Societty for Horticultural Science
http://DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13568-18
Publication/product ID: HortScience 54(3): 470–475
http://DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13568-18
Publication/product ID: HortScience 54(3): 470–475
This product is associated with the project "Integrating Row Covers Into Sustainable Production Systems to Strengthen the Sustainability of Specialty Crops Farmers"
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.