Articles
THE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT OF MOVEABLE PIPE-FRAME, PLASTIC-COVERED GREENHOUSES FOR YEAR-ROUND ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTARY HEATING
Article number
1041_38
Pages
311 – 314
Language
English
Abstract
We have experimented with a wide range of low-cost options for combining greenhouse mobility and crop scheduling on our organic farm.
Greenhouses that can be easily moved to cover or uncover crops over a number of sites offer both agronomic and economic benefits to organic growers.
1) The moveable greenhouse helps to avoid pest and disease build-up and excess nutrient problems by allowing the soil to be exposed periodically to the cleansing effects of outdoor conditions.
2) An extensive program of green manure crops can be grown on the uncovered sites without sacrificing greenhouse income.
3) Summer greenhouse crops can be left growing longer while the winter crops are sown on an adjacent site at the appropriate date.
The greenhouse is then moved to cover the winter crops when they need protection.
Greenhouses that can be easily moved to cover or uncover crops over a number of sites offer both agronomic and economic benefits to organic growers.
1) The moveable greenhouse helps to avoid pest and disease build-up and excess nutrient problems by allowing the soil to be exposed periodically to the cleansing effects of outdoor conditions.
2) An extensive program of green manure crops can be grown on the uncovered sites without sacrificing greenhouse income.
3) Summer greenhouse crops can be left growing longer while the winter crops are sown on an adjacent site at the appropriate date.
The greenhouse is then moved to cover the winter crops when they need protection.
Authors
E.W. Coleman
Keywords
moveable greenhouse, cloche, unheated, green manures, end-wall, wheel-unit
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