Management of the Soil Environment in High Tunnels

Abstract

<jats:p>High-tunnel soil, water, and fertility management can be achieved using a wide range of approaches from polyethylene film-mulched, drip-fertigated beds to certified organic management based on maintaining high soil organic matter (SOM) content. Soil management techniques are discussed in relation to the high tunnel structure used and the length of the growing season, site preparation, soil health, SOM, irrigation water quality, and fertility, with a focus on certified organic management.</jats:p>

Yields and Soil Quality under Transitional Organic High Tunnel Tomatoes

“…Maintaining soil quality and fertility in a sustainable manner is challenging in intensively cropped systems such as high tunnels (Montri and Biernbaum, 2009). Intensively tilled soils can develop hard pans, cloddy structure, surface crusting, and loss of organic matter.…”

“…However, if compost is relied on to supply all crop N needs, or applied in large amounts as a soil conditioner, yields can suffer, at least in the short term, as a result of variability in N mineralization rates (Hartz et al, 2000). In addition, when composts are applied continuously, growers risk excessive P, K, and trace element buildup, posing risks for nutrient uptake imbalances and loss to the environment (Gaskell and Smith, 2007;Montri and Biernbaum, 2009). Manure-based composts can be particularly high in salts and trace elements; however, heavy use of plant-based composts can also present these risks because N is reactive and prone to loss during the composting process while salts accumulate.…”

“…Manure-based composts can be particularly high in salts and trace elements; however, heavy use of plant-based composts can also present these risks because N is reactive and prone to loss during the composting process while salts accumulate. Opportunities for growing N-fixing cover crops or living mulches can be limited in intensively managed systems such as high tunnels when continued production is often needed for adequate return on investment and to supply year-round markets (Montri and Biernbaum, 2009). This presents a significant conundrum, particularly for nutrient management in organic production systems.…”

“…composts do. Overfertilization in high tunnels can reduce plant health, increase disease or insect problems, and lead to the buildup of excessive soluble salts and nutrient levels (Magdoff and van Es, 2000;Montri and Biernbaum, 2009).…”

Hoophouse Contributions to Economic Viability: Nine Michigan Case Studies

“…Site preparation, including weed and fertility management, is a key step for long-term successful growing in these structures (Montri and Biernbaum, 2009). One strategy, which resulted in zero total site preparation hours, was to construct the hoophouse over an existing planting or field.…”