GROWING NICHE PRODUCTS IN THE DESERT FOR DIRECT MARKETS Holly Gatzke Kynda Curtis Bob Morris University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Comparing the production of landscape trees and vegetables
Hot and cold desert sites Hot Alamo USDA zone 8 elevation just under 3600 ft Cold Panaca USDA zone 6 elevation just under 4900 ft
Site Establishment A properly watered plant, growing in fertile soil, in the appropriate environment will grow healthier and be more productive. Collect information about the soil, water and environment. Choose plants that fit in the conditions you have or can create in your growing area.
Organic Matter Many desert soils have low organic matter (<2%). Productivity increases with additions of organic composts. higher organic matter = more biological life, a more neutral ph and holds more water and nutrients. Compost adds many essential nutrients. When buying compost look for a low salt content and a carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio that is lower than 10.
Soil on site Soil tests of each site Alamo soil test results - sandy loam texture, a ph of 7.9, 0.9 % organic matter, normal salinity and deficiencies in P, Fe, Zn and Cu. Panaca soil test results - silty loam texture, a ph of 7.5, 1.4 % organic matter, normal salinity and deficiencies in P, Fe, Zn and Cu.
Soil Treatment We added 5 inches of compost to the vegetable plots to increase organic matter. This addition will lower the ph, increase Fe, Zn and Cu as well as the regular N, P, K and S and increase the water holding capacity. Our tree potting mix is made with local perlite, on site soil and purchased compost.
Water Ensure a strong irrigation supply. Water is the most essential resource for plant production! A backup water system is essential Both sites had town water system added as an alternate source to the well fed field irrigation system We installed drip irrigation for its low water use and efficiency.
Irrigation NRCS design
Environment Historic climate records were retrieved for the growing area. Climate can vary greatly depending on elevation, location on a valley side slope or valley bottom, or whether the site faces north, south, east or west.
Environment Modification Shade clothes placed on high tunnels in summer Plastic is fitted on the hoop house in cold seasons to extend rotary the growing season Frost cloth used to keep plants warm through cold spells outside and in tunnels
What are hoop houses Also called high tunnels Tall enough to stand or drive equipment in A passive solar heated unit allowing season extension and intensified production A simple structure that provides protection and adaptation of the environment
Benefits of Hoop Houses Extend the growing season Provides more control on temperatures during cold season Provides protection from wind and storms Improves crop quality (sometimes) Moveable to a new location Simple structure lower cost
Commercial hoop house Made to cover from a few feet to acres The larger the area covered the more cost efficient for production
Hoop House Utah State design (Search high tunnel on the Utah State Website)
Design and location do s Position tunnel where it captures the winter sun avoid shading Position orientation with the length running with the dominant wind direction of site Ensure the tunnel is tall enough to work in Anchor the ends strongly on t-posts Paint structure for UV protection
Design and location do s Create a system for passive ventilation door vents, raising sides
Construction Dos Avoid connections in PVC these are points of structural weakness Keep flex in the structure in PVC protection from wind Tie the PVC arches to the main rib securely Keep spare parts for repairs
Plants Plants grown should be well suited to the environment, show good performance, are of interest to you and have a strong market demand. For landscaping plants make sure the plants grown will grow well in the environment where they will be planted after sale as well as where you will grow them.
Trees Project uses pot-in-pot method places the pots in a pot buried in the ground. system requires less large equipment system requires less large equipment than in ground production and keep the plant cooler and safer from wind than pot above the ground systems.
Trees in Panaca
Trees in Alamo
Project plants Project crops -based on local gardeners experiences of what grows well and products of interest in local markets. Heat loving plants are grown in the summer Early Girl tomato, eggplant, summer squash, peppers, cucumber, melon, Swiss chard, arugula Cold tolerant in fall, winter, spring mustard, spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, kale, parsnips, carrots & beets
Panaca Veggies Outside
Panaca Veggies inside
Veggies in Alamo
Alamo Fall plantings
Winter warm desert
Fall Plantings - outside
Fall plantings cold desert
Winter crop
Summary to date Shade clothes on hoop houses improved crop quality and quantity of some crops Hoop houses provided protection from curly top virus Hoop houses can protect and allow winter production even in extreme cold years Quality produce can be grown in the desert Economics are being determined.