US researchers to study benefits of movable high tunnels

High tunnels have long been used by agricultural producers to extend the growing season and to establish crops earlier as compared to crops grown in the field. A growing trend in the horticulture industry is the idea of a movable high tunnel that would provide more flexibility and versatility, and allow a grower to establish multiple crops within a year.

Noble Foundation research horticulturist Charles Rohla, Ph.D., received a two-year, $144,880 specialty crop block grant from USDA and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to conduct a research project with mobile high tunnels. The grant will support Rohla in evaluating the potential benefits of the movable tunnels compared to traditional field production and permanent high tunnel structures.

“This project will benefit specialty crop growers throughout the nation who are interested in growing both summer and winter crops utilizing protected structures,” Rohla said. “Many producers aren’t familiar with movable hoop houses, so this study will allow growers to see the benefits of utilizing the entire growing season of crops.”

Find out more at Growing Produce