Organic High Tunnel Nutrient Management

Some growers have expressed concern about soil test analysis revealing abnormally high soluble salt levels in the soils of their high tunnels. We have seen soluble salt levels increase in the high tunnels at Penn State’s High Tunnel Research and Education Facility, regardless of whether inorganic or organic nutrient sources have been used. In the…

Soluble salts can accumulate when the application of inorganic or organic fertilizers to soils is accompanied by dry conditions, irrigation water high in soluble salts is used and/or the amount of water received at a site is inadequate to flush salts from the root zone. The result is saline soils. When salt sensitive plants are…

When using organic nutrient sources—for example, compost, manure, green manures, meals, and so forth—recommendations for crop nutrient needs will need to be translated. Soil test reports do not give specific recommendations for using organic fertilizers/amendments. This is because the percentage and availability of plant nutrients in such materials is highly variable and usually depends on…

Introduction/Summary: Regenerative and sustainable soil and water management for intensive crop production in protected cultivation is a key to farm profitability and crop quality. The integrated management of physical, chemical and biological components of soil can minimize the need for off farm resources and interventions with potentially toxic chemicals or pesticides. A comprehensive plan can…