Profitability of vegetable production in Michigan is limited by a short season because of the temperate climate. Therefore, most growers' plant and harvest at the same time, which drives prices down (sometimes below breakeven point) negatively affecting income. The goal of this study was to investigate low tunnel technology as a means to improve profitability of fresh market vegetables in Michigan and the North Central Region. Low tunnels allow growers to start planting earlier, so they can harvest earlier, and receive a higher price for their produce before vegetable prices begin to decline in mid-season. This study tested various plastic materials used as low tunnels (clear and white perforated plastic) as well as their combination with a spun-bond material (for heat trapping) for benefits including: frost protection, earliness in planting and harvesting, and season extension. Our results showed by combining plastic mulch and our new low tunnel design (perforated plastic plus spun-bond plastic) air temperature during frost events was increased by 1-4°C inside the tunnels. An analysis was also conducted to determine the economic benefit of each system tested. The outcome will be greater awareness among growers of the potential to use low tunnel technologies to reduce frost risks, and enhance earliness and profitability. -- Abstract.
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