Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker).

As we provide the news for free, we are relying on revenues from our banners. So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.
Thanks!

Click here for a guide on disabling your adblocker.

Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

De Cloet delivers structures for Guelph tunnel research

In a 3-year research project at the University of Guelph, High tunnels (and their associated technologies) will be evaluated against traditional field production for season extension & increasing profits for organic production of high-value organic crops (e.g. bitter melon, tomato, pea shoots & pods etc.).

Specific objectives are:

1. Select, evaluate and develop protocols for using high tunnel technologies in harsh Canadian climates including:
a) screens to reduce insect and pathogen pressures
b) shading materials to reduce and diffuse high-intensity, direct light
during summer months,
c) plastic mulch (different colors) and drip tape to reduce weed pressure
and improve nutrient and water use efficiency;
2. Investigate microclimate conditions at different seasons under high tunnels;
3. Determine cost-benefit of using high tunnels in Canadian climates.


A multidisciplary research team is involved in this research project:
  • Dr. Youbin Zheng: Greenhouse organic crop production, plant nutrition Mr. Dave Llewellyn: High tunnel infrastructure and plant production Dr. Yun Kong: Vegetable production under controlled environments
  • Dr. Rene Van Acker: Weeds management
  • Dr. Ralph Martin: Sustainable food production
  • Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald: Integrated vegetable crop management Dr. W. David Lubitz: Engineering, microclimate
  • Ms. Martha Gay Scroggins: GCUOF co-ordinator
  • Mr. Evan Elford: New Crop Development Specialist (OMAFRA)

Six high tunnels are installed at the Guelph Centre for Urban Organic farming (GCUOF).

This project is supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Organic Cluster Research Program and managed by Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada. They thank De Cloet Greenhouse Manufacturing Ltd. for adapting their commercial tunnel technology to a research application & ongoing technical support.

For more information please contact Dr. Youbin Zheng at [email protected]

For more information 
DeCloet
Patrick Coppens
General Manager
DeCloet Greenhouse Manufacturing Ltd. www.decloetgreenhouse.com
DeCloet Structures Ltd. www.decloetstructures.com
1805 Charlotteville West Qtr. Line
Simcoe, ON N3Y 4J9
Phone: 519-582-3081 Ext. 213
Toll Free: 888-786-4769
Fax: 519-582-0851
Cell: 519-429-9166
Publication date: