US (GA): Incorporating high tunnels in organic farming

Intensive year-round vegetable production under high tunnels is a cornerstone of Crystal Organic Farm. Farming in the Deep South, Nicolas Donck gravitated toward high-tunnel production because of its many benefits including less soil erosion from storm events, ability to achieve lasting soil quality improvements, and greater yields compared to his outside fields. He uses practices such as soil solarization and compost tea to manage pests and diseases and to improve high-tunnel vegetable production.

Nicolas Donck has been growing organic vegetables at Crystal Organic Farm in Newborn, Georgia (Newton County) for over 20 years. The farm encompasses a total of 175 acres, with 25 acres in field production and 1.5 acres under high tunnels. The rest of the farm consists of pasture, woodlands, and wetlands. Products include a wide assortment of vegetables, cut flowers, eggs, and some fruits, sold to a variety of direct and wholesale markets.

Located in north-central Georgia, about an hour southeast of Atlanta, Crystal Organic Farm is in a humid subtropical climate, classified as USDA plant hardiness zone 8a. The winters are mild, and summers are hot and humid. Annual precipitation, mostly falling as rain, totals about 47 inches spread evenly throughout the year. Cotton production was prevalent in this region during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Significant topsoil erosion occurred during this time, which still affects soil quality in the area. On Crystal Organic Farm, soils are generally classified as well-drained sandy loams and sandy clay loams with deep to very deep rooting depth, low natural fertility, and low organic matter.

Year-round high-tunnel production takes center stage in this intensive mixed vegetable operation. Although high tunnels make up a small portion of the overall land in production, over half of farm labor is devoted to high-tunnel production, generating over half of the farm's revenue. With year-round production in the high tunnels, Nicolas is able to support a year-round staff of 15 people. He considers the high tunnels to be high-end real estate and spends more time and energy managing, monitoring, and scouting high-tunnel crops compared to those planted in the open fields.

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