Plastic removed from the high tunnel today - What's happening in the field?

What's happening in the field?

At the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station

Plastic removed from the high tunnel today

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We managed to take the plastic off of the high tunnel in time for holiday break. The tunnel has been covered since 2010, so it is definitely time for new plastic. We took a soil sample today in order to compare it to the soil sample taken in 2010 in order to see if there has been a buildup of salts. Soluble salts may build up in a high tunnel since it is covered and rain does not wash salts out. By taking the plastic off and waiting a while before we replace it, we hope that rain will allow any salt buildup to wash away.

Wiggle wire holds the plastic onto the high tunnel.
Wiggle wire holds the plastic onto the high tunnel.
All of the wiggle wire is removed from the north and south sides of the tunnel.
All of the wiggle wire is removed from the north and south sides of the tunnel.
The wire is also removed from both ends.
The wire is also removed from both ends.
The plastic is pulled off of the high tunnel.
The plastic is pulled off of the high tunnel.
The plastic is folded up for removal.
The plastic is folded up for removal.
Randy covers the breaker box with plastic.
Randy covers the breaker box with plastic.
Now the high tunnel is open to the elements.
Now the high tunnel is open to the elements.