Crops Interim Standard 798 Technical and Program Guidance National bulletin 1901010 National Bulletin 1901012 Idaho Bulletin 300127 NRCS Idaho December 2011 Seasonal High Tunnel ID: 682419
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Seasonal High Tunnel Systems for CropsInterim Standard 798
Technical and Program Guidance
National bulletin: 190-10-10 National Bulletin: 190-10-12Idaho Bulletin: 300-12-7
NRCS IdahoDecember , 2011 Slide2
Seasonal High Tunnel
Definition:
A seasonal polyethylene covered structure that is used to cover crops and extend the season in an environmentally friendly manner Practice lifespan: 4 years Available to all eligible agricultural producers
(do you want to reference manual?)Slide3Slide4
- Improve plant quality- Improve
soil quality- Improve water quality
from reduced nutrient and pesticide transport- Improve air quality through reduced transportation input- Reduced energy use through local consumption
PurposesSlide5
Plants not adapted or suited: Plants are not adapted and /or suited to site conditions or client objectives.
Selected plants are adapted to the soil and climatic conditions or the site is modified to make it suitable for the desired plants.
Plant Condition- Productivity, Health and Vigor: Plants do not produce the yields, quality, and soil cover to meet clients objectives.
Potential resource concerns (SWAPA) that may be identified at the field site Slide6
Soil Condition, Organic Matter Depletion: Soil Condition Index is positive.
Soil Erosion, Sheet & Rill:
Sheet and rill erosion does not exceed the Soil Loss Tolerance “T”. Soil Erosion, Wind: Wind erosion does not exceed the Soil Loss Tolerance “T” or, for plant damage, does not exceed crop damage tolerances.
These resource concerns may only effect a small area 0.05 acre
Potential resource concerns (SWAPA) that may be identified at the field site Slide7
Water Quality- Harmful levels of pesticides in surface water
WIN-PST tool
Water Quality- Excessive Nutrients and organics in surface water INTRA tool
Potential resource concerns (SWAPA) that may be identified at the field site Slide8
Condition Where Practice AppliesCropland where the growing season extension is needed due to climate.Alfalfa /grain rotations are ok to install high tunnelsNPPH (… and forage crops in short-term rotations are cropland)Not approved on pasture and rangeland
Any commodity crop can be grown in the natural soil profile. (i.e. specialty crops, garlic, raspberries)Raised beds allowed, but does not apply to crops not grown in the natural soil profile (i.e. tables/benches, pots)Slide9Slide10
•
Tunnel shall be constructed of metal, wood, or durable plastic and be at least 6 ft in height
Criteria
The seasonal tunnel structure must be planned, designed, and constructed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendationSlide11Slide12
• Shape
• Ground
Posts and Bows• Purlins and Truss Supports
• Side walls and
End walls
• Ventilation and Access
• Covering
(Polyethylene Plastic)
Elements of a High TunnelSlide13
Quonset (Round Hoop)Typically 14 to 34 ft wide, 28 to 150 ft long
Gothic (Peak)Require additional bracing 12 to 16 ft at peakHigh Tunnel Shapes
Photos: Farmtex.com
Photo: Danny McBride NRCS, UtahSlide14Slide15
• “In climate conditions where snow loads may damage the structure, the tunnel cover shall be removed at the end of the growing season
”
• As a minimum, a 6-mil greenhouse-grade, UV resistant polyethylene cover will be used
CriteriaSlide16
• Steel pipe sunk about 3 ft deep with about 1 foot above ground
Caution when producers use cement it may change their tax classification from temporary to permanent
Ground PostsSlide17Slide18Slide19Slide20Slide21Slide22
Tunnel
can be
larger, but only pay up to 2,178 sq ft 2012 National general payment rate - $ 2.55/ sq ft Producer can install multiple tunnels
Can
already have
an existing high tunnel that was not contracted with EQIP.
Payment RateSlide23
Installation ConsiderationsOrientation
N-S for main season, maximize airflow crosswise
• Distance from structures/shade –2x height of nearest structure• Quality soil• Access to water for irrigation• DrainageSlide24
• Runoff shall be directed away from tunnel to avoid ponding
– Surface or underground outlets
– Protected ground surface – Critical area planting Grassed waterways• If runoff empties onto ground surface, a detention basin, storage reservoir, or stable outlet shall be provided
CriteriaSlide25
• Surface
or ground outlets such as rock pads, rock filled trenches with subsurface drains, concrete and other erosion-resistant pads, or preformed channels may be used
• Seeding and vegetation shall be established on all disturbed earth surfacesCriteriaSlide26
• Plan appropriate measures to address:
– Conservation crop rotation
– Irrigation water management – Nutrient management – Pest management – Runoff from the structure
Access for pollinators or no cucumbers
Roll up the sides
ConsiderationsSlide27
For general information and suppliers of high tunnel systems see web sites: hightunnels.org
References in the standard with web sites
University of Idaho http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/homegard.asp Utah State University https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/htm/veg etables-fruits-herbs