Best Management Practices for Long-Term High Tunnel Soil Sustainability
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
A collaboration between Cornell Vegetable Program, the Cornell Student Organic Farm and NOFA-NY resulted in a $10,000 award from the Towards Sustainability Foundation. The project team worked closely with 10 high tunnel operators across Central and Western NYS, educated farmers and students, and provided technical assistance in managing soil health in high tunnels for long term productivity. At these farms a total of 20 soil tests and 80 foliar tests were performed, and it was documented that 7 of the 10 farms regularly exceeded recommended soil nutrient levels, often by more than 150%. These excess levels not only indicated a challenge in environmental, but also financial sustainability. Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium from fertilizers build up over time and interfere with other nutrient uptake. High pH irrigation water and fertilizers cause soil pH to rise, limiting micronutrient availability.
Project staff worked closely with growers to analyze and respond to the results, focusing on reducing phosphorus and calcium inputs and better supplying the crop with sufficient nutrition. This reduced excess nutrient application in high tunnel soils and lead to improved net profitability as input costs decrease and yields increased. The 10 participating NYS High Tunnel growers improved tunnel sustainability by optimizing fertilizer inputs, balancing macro-nutrients, decreasing compaction, increasing organic matter levels and other related parameters through the implementation of soil BMPs.
- 6 of 10 participating growers adopted the incorporation of cover crops to the high tunnel rotation to increase organic matter, reduce compaction and reduce excess nutrients in the soil.
- 8 of 10 participating growers adopted the use of low-to-no phosphorus fertilizers to avoid further nutrient build up.
- 8 of 10 participating growers improved their pH management strategy through soil and/or water acidification.
- After participating in this project, net high tunnel income increased by an average of $1556.61, for an average increase of 26.9%.
A short video about high tunnel soil conditions, produced by NOFA-NY, features Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid.
Upcoming Events
Urban and Small-Scale Growers Meeting
April 5, 2024
Buffalo, NY
This event is an opportunity for small-scale growers, urban growers, community garden leaders and ag service providers to build community, engage in production-focused workshops, and share resources. Topics include building soil productivity, insect and disease management, growing vegetables, berries, and tree fruits, and more.
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2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training -- Wayne County
April 9, 2024
Newark, NY
Special Permits (SP) will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit. The 8 specific labels covered: Endigo ZCX, Warrior II with Zeon Technology, Agri-Mek SC, Beseige, Leverage 360, Danitol 2.4EC, Mustang Maxx, and Lannate LV.
2024 DEC Special Permit Handler Training -- Orleans County
April 10, 2024
Albion, NY
Special Permits (SP) will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit. The 8 specific labels covered: Endigo ZCX, Warrior II with Zeon Technology, Agri-Mek SC, Beseige, Leverage 360, Danitol 2.4EC, Mustang Maxx, and Lannate LV.