New resource shows rainwater catchment system for high tunnel irrigation

A potential problem for Iowa fruit and vegetable growers has been turned into a liquid asset, thanks to a one-year research project conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and funded by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

High tunnels are inexpensive, simple, passive-solar greenhouses in which crops are grown directly in the soil. They allow growers to extend the season and produce high yields of quality produce earlier and later than field-grown crops, thus getting to the market earlier and commanding a higher price. However, soil around a high tunnel can erode or become saturated after rainfall. This potential problem has been turned into an asset, thanks to a one-year research project conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

A workbook for high tunnel growers is now available in Spanish; the Iowa High Tunnel Fruit and Vegetable Production Manual (extension publication PM 2098) also received Leopold Center funds for development.

Continue reading