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| Recycling* | Low Tunnels | Hoophouse | Mulch | Crops | High Tunnels | Greenhouses |
*Photo courtesy of RE Sources
Plasticulture
The term plasticulture is used to describe the broad and general use of plastics in agriculture. Plasticulture can extend the growing season and improve crop health and growth. This web page includes links to information on the use of plasticulture in the form of plastic mulch, degradable mulch, tunnels (low and high), hoophouses, greenhouses and agricultural plastic recycling as well as crops most often grown with plasticulture, and agriculture plastic recycling in the Northwest. For an overview of why and how season extension can be accomplished through plasticulture, see:
- Season Extension Techniques. Season extension can enable year-round crop production as well as higher-quality produce. This publication describes season extension techniques and provides sources for equipment, supplies, and further information. ATTRA.
- Season Extension. Advantages and disadvantages of using plasticulture to extend the crop growing season. North Carolina State University Extension.
Mulch
Plastic mulch is commonly used to control weeds in the crop row, moderate soil temperature and conserve water in the plant root zone. There are many different colors and qualities of plastic mulch, and use varies depending on the season and crop being grown. There are also degradable mulches made of cornstarch and paper, and plastic mulches that are heat and/or light degradable.
Alternatives to Plastic Mulch. Research comparing black plastic mulch to four degradable mulches. Department of Horticulture, Cornell University.
Biodegradable Alternative to Plastic. Vegetable oil coated paper mulch as an alternative to plastic mulch. USDA ARS.
Common Mulch. Brief overview of common types of mulches, disadvantages and advantages of using mulch, and a minimal overview of mulch application. University of Florida.
Degradable Mulch. Research study testing various degradable mulch products in vegetable crops. Washington State University Extension.
Mulch Trial Photo Gallery. See how paper mulch is applied in mulch trials at Cornell University. Department of Horticulture, Cornell University.
Plastic Mulch Overview of what mulch is and a comparison of common types of mulch. Also, links to further information on mulches. Penn State University.
Structures
Various types of structures are available to lengthen the growing season for the crop and improve overall crop health and quality. The following are just a few of the structures available, such as high tunnels, low tunnels, hoophouses, and greenhouses. Structures that are used for winter production must be able to withstand heavy rainfall, snow, and wind. Structures that are used for summer production must have good ventilation. Many structures may not be suitable for year-round production.
Low Tunnels
Low Tunnel Benefits and Types. The benefits of using low tunnels and common types of covers. New Mexico State University Extension.
Low Tunnel Basics. Basic low tunnel construction information. Penn State University.
High Tunnels
Introduction. Brief overview of high tunnels including construction ideas and some cost estimates. Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Basics of High Tunnels. Extensive information and resources regarding high tunnels including general information, suppliers, and links to many additional resources and articles. Hightunnels.org.
Extending Crop Life. High tunnels help to extend the production of vegetable and flower crops across the country. Summary of SARE project.
High Tunnel Overview. Benefits and costs of high tunnels. Links to research studies regarding crop production. Penn State University.
High Tunnel Construction. Photographs of installing a high tunnel in the field. Rutgers University.
High Tunnel Guide. Brief overview of advantages, disadvantages, structure selection, installation and management of high tunnels. USDA NRCS.
High Tunnel Manual. Construction and mangement information, case studies of farms in US using high tunnels with different crops and management intensity. Cornell University, University of Vermont, NESARE.
History and Trials. The history of high tunnels and the influence of mulch on tomato and lettuce yields. Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture.
Low Start up Cost. Start up costs and suggestions made by farmers employing the use of these cost effective tunnels. Agriculture Online.
Hoophouses
Constructing a hoophouse. How to construct a simple hoophouse. Farm and Garden.
Early Maturity. How hoophouses promote early maturity in tomato plants. Nobel Foundation
Field Hoophouse. An easy-to-make field hoophouse. New Mexico State University Circular 606.
Four Seasons Harvest. Provides information on seasonal crop production with the help of hoophouses. Eliot Coleman, Four Season Farm.
The Hoophouse Handbook. Provides grower-based experiences using hoophouses and high tunnels for vegetable and flower production. Includes design ideas, budget sheets and much more. Growing for Market.
Portable Field Hoophouse. A simple, inexpensive design for a portable field hoophouse. Washington State University Extension Bulletin EB1825.
Greenhouses
Greenhouse Management Online. Interactive learning center for greenhouse management, designed to serve the horticultural industry. Department of Horticulture, University of Arkansas.
Management and Requirements for Greenhouses. Basic design and management requirements for greenhouse, glazings, and coverings. University of Arizona Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department.
Solar Greenhouses. Information on solar greenhouse designs, solar heat storage, basic principles and more. ATTRA.
Structures in Agricultural Production. Brief overview of plastic covered structure types used in agricultural production. University of Connecticut Integrated Pest Management.
Suppliers. A list of suppliers and manufactures for greenhouse production. This site should not be taken as a preference of one supplier/manufacture over another, and does not include all of the suppliers and manufactures available in each state. University of Florida Extension.
Crops
Information regarding specific types of crops commonly grown on mulch, in tunnels or in hoophouses for season extension (spring, fall, winter), or during the main summer season.
Crops for High Tunnels. Studies and resources of warm season vegetables and melons, cut flowers and small fruit grown with high tunnels. Hightunnel.org.
Hoophouses on the Farm. Small fruit and vegetable crops production, mistakes learned, and profits gained. Mielke Farm, Wisconsin.
Effects of Mulch Color. Color of mulch for eight different vegetable crops. Penn State University.
Significant Increases. Crops with greatest success due to plastic mulch. North Carolina State University.
Strawberry Production with Mulch. Research study to investigate effect of black and red plastic mulch on strawberry production. Crop Science Journal.
Recycling
Recycling is a common issue faced by agricultural plastic users. The cost of removing and disposing of agricultural plastics can be high. Following are some programs and companies that offer agricultural plastic recycling in the Northwest.
Northwest Ag Plastics, Inc. Offers recycling for mulch film, drip irrigation tape, row covers, tunnel film, greenhouse film, and more. Also offered are recycling services for rigid plastics such as buckets, barrels/drums, and irrigation pipe.
RE Sources. Offers education to the public on a variety of local environmental issues connected with plastic use and recycling.