High Tunnel Research

Christiana Potato Growers, a Jamaican company with extensive experience in greenhouse production and operation, will be constructing two 30’ x 100’ high tunnel structures similar to this for Mustard Seed.

Penn State is exploring several areas of research involving the tunnels to:

  • Harvest rainwater from the tunnel structure
  • Modify the temperature of the tunnel to healthy ambient conditions in a tropical climate
  • Develop an irrigation and fertigation system to deliver nutrients to the plants
  • Manage nutrients in the tunnel environment
  • Improve soil with compost made on the site
  • Experiment with tunnel growing arrangements to optimize worker interaction