Comparison between hoop house and outdoor grown crops (hemp)

Commodities

• Agronomic: hemp

Practices

• Crop Production: season extension

The primary purpose of this application is to study the feasibility of hoop house technology and soil conservation to extend seasonal productivity and improve income for farmers growing specialty crops in our region. This project will document soil conservation and season extension techniques using hoop house technology for specialty crops in Minnesota compared to outdoor growing. This technique involves using solar or manual powered light deprivation curtains to block out sunlight in a hoop house to create multiple harvests in a typical growing season. 

This research is relevant to farmers because it documents the financial feasibility of using hoop house technology and will help farmers develop a model for season extension, soil improvement, quality control, and financial profitability using hoop house technology for specialty crops. 

The primary crop being studied is hemp but the research is applicable to similar herbs and specialty crops. Industrial hemp is a leading crop being studied for its many environmental and economic benefits including carbon sequestration, hemp oil production, and its heartiness and resilience eradicating the need for environmentally harmful substances such as weedicides and pesticides on our farms. 

Our major objectives are to use the Light Deprivation Hoop House farming techniques to achieve seasonal extension and improve crop yield and productivity for high value specialized crops. 

1) Support Soil conservation needs of independent farmers 

2) Document the impact of Seasonal extension technologies to improve yield and productivity of specialty crops 

3) Higher quality produce 

4) Increased earnings of farmers.