Determining the presence of a season-extending microclimate between high tunnels

Project Overview

FNE06-572
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2006: $4,304.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2006
Region: Northeast
State: New York
Project Leader:
fred forsburg
Honeyhill Farm

Commodities

  • Vegetables: eggplant, leeks, peppers, cucurbits

Practices

  • Education and Training: demonstration, networking
  • Soil Management: soil analysis

    Proposal summary:

    Expanding numbers of vegetable growers are erecting multiple high tunnels, or unheated greenhouses, for season extension of their crops. Growers have noted increased solar radiation, reduced wind speed, higher temperatures, and drier soil in the area between high tunnels. This project will try to document season-extending microclimatic differences in the space between high tunnels vs. open-fields to determine if a modified high-tunnel effect can be used for season extension. Outreach will be through field days, presentations, and publications.

    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.