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Best Management Practices for Long-Term High Tunnel Soil Sustainability

Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

April 25, 2017

Best Management Practices for Long-Term High Tunnel Soil Sustainability

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%. 

The program was refunded for an additional $10,000 to continue the work in 2017.

A short video about high tunnel soil conditions, produced by NOFA-NY, features Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid.



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February 19, 2025
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This virtual workshop will serve two purposes: 

  • For produce farms just interested in learning about farm food safety, this program will introduce principles and best practices.
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NY Urban Farms Pest Management Fact Sheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.

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As part of a multi-year project exploring non-spray pest management options that are economically and environmentally sustainable for urban farms, we conducted a needs assessment with urban growers across New York State. The New York State Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment presents findings on current pest management practices, challenges, and topics of future interest.

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