MAINE HIGH TUNNEL PRODUCTION: IDENTIFYING AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Applied Research
Caragh Fitzgerald
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
AUGUSTA
Abstract
\r\n In 2011 and 2012, three interviews or visits were conducted with 31 Maine high tunnel owners to identify practices, benefits, challenges, and areas for improvement. Basic data was collected on 52 tunnels and detailed production data was collected on 31 tunnels. Soil samples were collected in mid-summer and analyzed for nutrients using standard soil test methods, saturated media extract, and other measures of soil quality. Twenty-four tunnels were a year or less old at the start of the project. Eight farms were certified organic, 23 were not. The primary crop grown was tomatoes (81%), followed by greens (56%), cucumbers (47%), and peppers (44%) (n=31). We identified production challenges where additional education is warranted. Forty-eight percent of farmers reported addressing site or soil drainage either before or after construction. Existing management of pH was inadequate with 70% tunnels having soils with pH of less than the recommended minimum of 6.5 (32% had pH less than 6.0, n=37). Ninety-four percent of growers applied compost or manure prior to the cropping season. Some farmers did not wait the recommended 120 days between applying uncomposted manure and harvesting, potentially increasing food safety risks. Organic matter levels over 8% (the upper range of standard for Maine soils) were found in 54% of tunnels sampled (n=37). In addition to being an unnecessary expense, these high application rates contributed to high soil salt levels. Thirty percent of tunnels had salt levels above 2 mmohs/cm, which can be detrimental to some crops.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Caragh B. Fitzgerald, Mark Hutton
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Fitzgerald, C. Assistant Extension Professor, University of Maine, Maine, 04330
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Hutton, M. Extension Specialist and Associate Professor of Vegetable Crops, University of Maine, Maine, 04259