HIGH TUNNEL HOUSE PROGRAM

Transcription

1 HIGH TUNNEL HOUSE PROGRAM John Lee State Agronomist USDA / NRCS Little Rock, AR NRCS Conservation Bootcamp

2 HIGH TUNNEL HOUSE PROGRAM Objective: o High Tunnel Cropping Systems o Conservation Plans

3 PURPOSE Extend the crop growing season Improve plant quality Improve soil quality Improve water quality from reduced nutrient and pesticide transport 3

4 CONDITION WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES This practice applies to cropland. Vegetables, Ornamentals, Fruit Trees Permanently raised beds may be installed Does not apply to crops not grown in the natural soil profile (i.e. tables/benches, portable pots, etc.). The practice does not include greenhouses or low tunnel systems that may cover single crop rows.

5 Fans Heaters Cool Cells Benches Gravel

6 Heaters Mid March

7 Secondary Row Covers Plastic mulch Drip irrigation

8 CRITERIA Plan supportive conservation practices to address all environmental concerns. Runoff shall be directed away from the tunnel structure to avoid ponding. Seeding and vegetation shall be established on all disturbed surfaces. For vegetable and ornamental crops, the crop rotations and cover crops practices must be planned.

9 Design Criteria Under EQIP the seasonal high tunnel must be obtained as a pre-fabricated kit directly from the manufacturer or from a supplier. As a minimum, a 6-mil greenhouse-grade, UV resistant polyethylene cover will be used. The seasonal tunnel structure must be planned, designed, and constructed in accordance with manufacturer s recommendation.

10 Things to Consider

11 What s Included in a Kit? Basic kits usually include the frame structure and assembly hardware; polyethylene cover with roll-up or dropdown side assemblies and heavy duty ground posts. Optional items include manufactured end panels and/or door assemblies as well as top and bottom baseboard kits.

12 Zippered Doors End Wall and Roll Up Door

13 NRCS Conservation Bootcamp

14 This Is A High Tunnel House? Large Roll Up Doors

15 NRCS Conservation Bootcamp

16 NRCS Conservation Bootcamp

17 2x4 lumber base aluminum base

18 Considerations Have a reliable source of good quality water near or in the tunnel. Having the soil analyzed for the electrical conductivity can be a useful indicator of potential problems from salt accumulation.

19 The Conservation System Approach Crop Rotations Pollinator Habitat Nutrient Management Cover Crops CO 2 Irrigation Water Management Micro-Irrigation Soil organic matter Pest Management

20 The Conservation Systems Approach Water runoff from the high tunnels can cause ponding and runoff issues that require additional conservation practices. Required core conservation practices: 1.nutrient management 590, 2.pest management 595, 3.Critical Area Planting (for bare surfaces), 4.and irrigation water management 449.

21 CONSERVATION PLANNING NRCS provides conservation planning and technical assistance to clients. The clients develop and implement plans to protect, conserve and enhance natural resources (soil, water, air, plants and animals) within their social and economic interest.

22 CONSERVATION PLANNING The conservation planning process helps the client and the conservationist accomplish the following: Help protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources. Design alternatives that meet local resource quality criteria for identified resource issues.

23 CONSERVATION PLANS Conservation Plans are voluntary, site specific, comprehensive, and action oriented plans

24 What are the Eligibility Requirements? You must be actively participating in agricultural crop production at when you apply for the program. Each participant must obtain a farm and tract number from USDA/FSA and meet compliance and AGI eligibility requirements. The land must be cultivable land, and you must own or have control of the land.

25 Summary Have a recent soil sample. Visit your local USDA Service Center. Sign is continuous year round. You must meet eligibility requirements. You Must Sign Up!!! Be Ye A Good Steward of the Land!! QUESTIONS?

26 THANKS