Using High Tunnels to Enhance Organic Vegetable Production in Florida: an Overview

Abstract

Cost-effective high tunnel systems as a protected production tool hold great potential for offering multifaceted benefits to vegetable growers in Florida beyond season extension. The adoption of high tunnels in the U.S. has been largely fueled by the NRCS High Tunnel System Initiative. Various high tunnel structures may be adapted to the Florida environment for growing high-value vegetable crops. In particular, high tunnels can help improve crop yield and quality in organic vegetable production. This article provides an overview of high tunnel structures and environment, growth of high tunnel production and the organic produce sector, major advantages of using high tunnels to enhance organic vegetable production, and challenges of high tunnel management in Florida. Some online resources for high tunnel vegetable production are provided, and future research needs are also pointed out for improving the long-term environmental and economic sustainability of high tunnel production systems.

Influence of Soil and Nutrient Management Practices on Crop Productivity and Quality in High Tunnel Organic Leafy Green Production

“…Additionally, sandy soils that are typically low in organic matter content (<10 g/kg) make efficient water and nutrient management difficult (Li et al 2021a). With the increasing adoption of high tunnel systems among Florida vegetable producers (Tian et al 2023), more research-based information is needed to examine the impact of this cost-effective, protected culture system on crop yields and quality in sandy soils.…”

“…High tunnels are usually unheated, polyethylene-covered structures that use solar energy for heating and passive ventilation for cooling (Lamont 2009;Tian et al 2023). They are commonly employed to extend the growing season by providing a moderate level of environmental control (Frey et al 2020;Lamont 2009) and have been shown to improve crop yield and quality (O'Connell et al 2012).…”