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%.
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.
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Small Vegetable Workshop
August 13, 2026
Fulton, NY
Identify vegetables that make sense to grow on small acreage, including under high and low tunnel season extension. Bill Ingersoll, owner of Ingersoll Farms, will provide a short tour and discuss other important factors of running a mixed vegetable farm, including a farm stand and selling at farmers' markets.
Chipping Potato and Field Crops Twilight Meeting
August 27, 2026
Dansville, NY
This year, our field meeting is bringing together field crops and chipping potatoes. SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Specialist Katelyn Miller will lead a field crops management discussion. Hear the latest updates in potato disease control and see the Cornell chipping potato variety trial run by Walter De Jong. Dinner follows the educational event.
1.5 DEC credits available in 10, 1a, 21, and 23.
IPM Field Day for Urban Growers
September 10, 2026
Buffalo, NY
Join us for a hands-on field day exploring integrated pest management and season extension tools for urban growing spaces and the opportunity to build community with local growers!
This event will focus on best practices for using row covers and rat mitigation. Check out our CCE demonstration trial using insect exclusion netting to manage swede midge, an invasive fly that causes damage to brassica crops. Explore how to identify rat activity, reduce attractants, and strengthen site management. Hear from local growers on how they manage pests with a focus on organic management and how they extend the season on their farms and gardens.