Mitigation of Salt Buildup in High Tunnel Soils.

In Kentucky, high tunnels have become increasingly popular among certified organic producers due to the relatively low cost, ease of construction, and the increased production capacity from season extension. However, problems associated with certain production practices has generated problems that can degrade the soil and decrease profitability. It is common for many organic producers to irrigate with municipal water. As a result of this practice, salt build up in the soil can become an issue and negatively affect yields. A few growers have adopted mobile tunnels, catchment systems or have removed the plastic to allow for rainwater to leach out the salts. These practices can be costly and that has limited these practices. At Kentucky State University, four gothic style high tunnels (30’x96’) where constructed in 2014 to research organic production practices. Over the past three years, municipal water has been used and as a result observable salt buildup and soil crusting has been observed. In the spring of 2017 an initial trial of irrigating with catchment water and use of Thinopyrum ponticum was used to mitigate salt buildup in the high tunnel soils. The initial results though inconclusive demonstrated trends that warrant further investigation. To further explore this issue, Kentucky State University in conjunction with a local certified organic producer will examine these salt mitigation practices in the summer and fall of 2017.