Breaking Bad Habits: Integrating Crop Diversity into High Tunnel Production Systems

High tunnel production has continued to grow in the midwest providing an engine for local food production. However, many growers choose to utilize these structures primarily (or even exclusively) for tomato production leading to very little room for crop rotation. At K-State, we have been working on research projects to determine the feasibility of high tunnels for other high-value crops like strawberries, sweet potato slips, melons, and others in addition to cover cropping strategies for high tunnel growers. During this presentation, we will explore some of these options and discuss different strategies for incorporating diversity into high tunnel production.

About the Presenter

Cary Rivard is an Associate Professor and Director of the Kansas State University Olathe Horticulture Center. His research program focuses on vegetable production in high tunnels and he oversees the www.hightunnels.org website.