Impact of Shade and Fogging on High Tunnel Production and Mineral Content of Organically Grown Lettuce, Basil, and Arugula in Georgia

Savanah Laur, Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da Silva, Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez and Timothy Coolong
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Savanah Laur: Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina State University, Carthage, NC 28327, USA
Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da Silva: Department of Horticulture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Juan Carlos Díaz-Pérez: Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, USA
Timothy Coolong: Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA

Agriculture, 2021, vol. 11, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: This study evaluated the impact of shade cloth and fogging systems on the microclimate at the plant canopy level and yield of basil ( Oscimum basilicum L.), arugula ( Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa L.), and lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) planted in mid-September and early October in high tunnels. Fogging systems were installed at canopy level in plots within shaded (30%) and non-shaded high tunnels. Average air temperatures in the shaded high tunnels were 0.9 °C lower than non-shaded high tunnels during the day. Shade cloth significantly reduced soil temperatures during the day and night periods by 1.5 °C and 1.3 °C, respectively, compared to non-shaded treatments. Fogging systems did not have an impact on air temperature, soil temperature, or relative humidity, but did increase canopy leaf wetness. Shade and fogging did not impact the yield of any of the crops grown. Yield was impacted by planting date, with earlier planting result in higher yields of lettuce and basil. Yields for arugula were greater during the second planting date than the first. Planting date and shade cloth interacted to affect the concentrations of macronutrients.

Keywords: heat; microclimate; misting; season extension (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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