Abiotic and Biotic Factors Influencing Quality and Quantity within Brassicaceae Using Various Planting Methods in High Tunnels

To increase consumer interest in year-round locally grown organic produce, farmers are exploring high tunnel production agriculture. With the extension of the growing season, high tunnels may improve productivity and increase profitability for farmers. This research examines optimizing the growth of one Brassica species, Chinese cabbage or Pak Choy, in the interior of high tunnels. The crops were organically grown under similar conditions utilizing municipal water with T-tape irrigation, and included two variables. The first variable explored direct sow planting versus float bed planting, while the second variable observed succession planting versus single planting harvest. The research was replicated in all four high tunnels, where each planting session was introduced into the project through random selection. This research will quantify the yield of the crops, along with testing the microbial quality of the high tunnel soil and municipal water. The harvested produce will also be tested for contamination. An additional factor that was observed during this project included temperature profiles inside the high tunnels, outside temperatures and soil temperatures. By verifying high tunnel production as an effective source for plant growth beyond the initial harvest period, farmers will have access to successful methods of growing Brassica crops.