High tunnels are passively heated and ventilated, plastic-covered structures that provide an intermediate level of environmental protection and control compared to open field conditions and heated greenhouses.
High Tunnels
Simple-low cost structure
Passively heated and ventilated
Usually one layer of plastic
Used for season extension
In-ground production
Low operating cost
Site may or may not need leveling
Greenhouses
Higher initial investment in structure utilities and equipment
Heaters, fans and cool cells
Higher R-values – Glass, multi layers of plastic with inflation
Year round production
Typically container production
High energy consumption
Higher maintenance operating cost
Site will likely need leveling and/or construction of a pad
Advantages of high tunnels relative to field production
Season extension/off season production
Reduced moisture on foliage from rainfall and dew – Lower disease potential
Increased growth rates and production
Increased heat unit accumulation and retention
More even light distribution – Reduced plant stress
Exclude insect pests and some animals – Plant health and food safety
Controlled water application
Higher quality products
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