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Hortsci Article p242
Hortsci Article p242
Hortsci Article p242
The increasing use of plastic film-covered harvest and improved produce quality attrib- many conventional producers also rely on
structures such as high and low tunnels in utes. Furthermore, some conditions such as compost to maintain soil organic matter,
many areas of the United States have enabled low winter temperatures coupled with in- particularly in intensive systems that do not
growers to extend the cropping season with creased humidity, high organic matter soils, have a substantive cover crop period by
earlier spring planting and later fall harvest- and low ultraviolet exposure from various which to reduce populations of crop pests
ing without extensive environmental controls film types may be more conducive to survival and phytopathogens that target their primary
common in traditional greenhouses (Jett and of inadvertently introduced foodborne illness crops.
Quinn, 2005; Lamont et al., 2003). In addi- pathogens, phytopathogens, or pests. Organic food as defined in the U.S.
tion, selective choice of plastic film type for Organic Foods Production Act (USDA,
these protected structures has been shown to COMPOST 2000) is a marketing term for items produced
aid control of Botrytis and insects as well as under the authority of the National Organic
plant growth (Krizek et al., 2005a). Other Although production in protected struc- Program. The organic production approach is
benefits of high tunnel production include tures occurs with soilless media such as based on minimizing off-farm inputs and
soil warming during periods of low ambient coir, peat, perlite, pine bark, rockwool, or synchronizing management practices with
temperatures and reduced moisture fluctua- vermiculite and inorganic nutrient solutions natural biological cycles and processes to
tions within the sheltered environment, (Cantliffe et al., 2003; Peet et al., 2004), maintain and improve agroecosystem pro-
weediness from reduced deposition of exter- such methods do not reflect basic organic ductivity while reducing adverse environ-
nal sources of windblown seed, crop damage system principles. Most organic production mental impacts. Fresh fruits and vegetables
from wind and rain events, incidence of systems are based on improving and main- have led all categories of organic food and
physiological ripening disorders from sun taining high soil quality. Composted organic feed sales in the United States since 1996
scorch, and chemical use from more effective matter is commonly used in organic, and when recordkeeping on organic production
use of biocontrols (Jett and Quinn, 2005; some conventional high tunnel or protected began and are leading the expanding global
Lamont et al., 2003). Protected structures structure systems, in mid- to northern- demand for organic products (NBS, 2006).
also appeal to direct market producers latitude growing regions in the United States California continues to have the largest num-
because of low capital investment and oper- to improve and maintain soil quality. Com- ber of acres in organic fields (60%) and
ating costs and the extended season advan- post has long been used as a beneficial soil protected structures (20%) compared with
tage of fresh produce sales in local markets. amendment in horticulture because it sup- other states (Green, 2008). However, many
They are used by organic as well as conven- presses certain plant diseases, improves small farm (less than 5 to 50 acre) operators
tional growers in a wide range of climates in moisture retention and cation exchange are responding to the increased market
which efficient use of fertilizers in vegetable capacity, provides micronutrients, slow- demand for fresh local organic produce.
and small fruit cropping systems is needed release nitrogen, and organic matter (Stoffella Organic and/or local produce appeals to
(Romanowski, 1981). and Kahn, 2001). Growers interested in consumers interested in produce that has
Despite these benefits, it is unclear what resource conservation also appreciate that minimal risk of containing pesticide and
effects the different film types have on locally produced compost substitutes for agrichemical residues and is at its peak
various cultivars and plants relative to early peat and other nonrenewable products and quality, flavor, and freshness. Also, some
provides supportive enterprises for recycling consumers are interested in supporting local
horticultural industry organic residuals agriculture to preserve open spaces within
Received for publication 11 Nov. 2008. Accepted while avoiding landfill expenses and pro- regional communities. The reduced impacts
for publication 27 Jan. 2009. vides retail product market options. Also, from avoiding fossil fuel and combustion