Growing Conditions and Crop Performance in High Tunnels (2013) - 6 pages

In June 2012 a wind event (96 km/h peak gusts) collapsed 4 of the 8 tunnels in the

complex, with lesser damage to all of the tunnels – including those being used in this

project. The degree of damage that occurred at wind speeds not uncommon in

Saskatchewan led to the conclusion that this type of high tunnel system is not

well suited to local use.

In 2013 we constructed two freestanding 3rd generation high tunnels. These structures

are built of heavier materials and have a lower profile than the 2nd generation tunnels –

so they should better withstand weather events. However, the 3rd generation structures

are considerably more expensive than the 2nd generation tunnels previously tested. The

Gothic type tunnel system is built with heavier materials and closer spaced arches as it

is designed to remain covered over the winter months. Price per unit production area of

the Gothic type tunnel ($3.52/sq ft ) is more than double the lighter duty standard tunnel

($1.48/sq ft).