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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] slitted row covers

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  • From: Bill Shoemaker <wshoemak AT illinois.edu>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] slitted row covers
  • Date: Sat, 9 May 2009 16:52:20 -0500 (CDT)

A lot of the research on slitted tunnels was done in the 80's. There may be
archives at the American Society for Plasticulture website.

If installed properly, they slef-vent very well. They need to be installed
tightly over the hoops with no twist, so the vents close properly. In the
day, when the air heats up inside, the plastic expands and the vents open. As
the sun goes down, the temps cool down, the plastic shrinks and the vents
close up again. They can be pretty hot in the day so they aren't good for
cool season crops. But cucurbits and solonaceous crops do really well in
them, if planted early in the season. They don't retain heat like High
Tunnels but will provide a couple of degrees of protection overnight.
Combined with plastic mulch, they will push plant growth significantly. I
think they're very useful for warm season crops, but they're really only good
for early spring application, IMHO.

Bill



---- Original message ----
>Date: Sat, 9 May 2009 14:05:58 -0400
>From: "breck" <bcarden AT breckinridgegroup.com>
>Subject: Re: [Market-farming] slitted row covers
>To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
>
>Has anyone used slitted row covers? I am considering their use as mini-high
>tunnels. I am wondering if they maintain similar nighttime and daytime temps
>as plastic film. I would think it would still be necessary to vent on warm
>sunny days. I like the idea of maybe having some relief from temps if I
>forget to vent. Are you aware of any research and etc. available? Any
>enlightenment or direction would be appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>Farmer Breck
>Breck Carden
>Carden's Garden
>2400 E Hwy 22
>Crestwood, KY 40014-7704
>(502) 905-8066
>breck AT breckcarden.com
>www.breckcarden.com
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Market-farming mailing list
>Market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
>http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/market-farming
>
William H Shoemaker, UI-NRES
Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
St Charles Horticulture Research Center
535 Randall Road St Charles, IL 60174
630-584-7254; FAX-584-4610




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