The cover crops seeded in the “treatment” high tunnel are growing, although not as evenly as hoped. The crimson clover stand is almost non-existent, and the annual ryegrass stand is much better in plots at the back of the tunnel (photo to right, B. Aly, Illinois Extension 2024). The working theory is the soil in the back of the tunnel held more moisture and allowed for better germination of the annual ryegrass. After seeding on October 22, temperatures remained warm, especially inside the high tunnel through much of November and the crimson clover may have germinated and then burned up. After checking the germination percentage of the remaining crimson clover seed, which was around 85 percent, the crimson clover plots were reseeded on November 24. This is later than typically recommended for crimson clover, but given the environmental differences within a high tunnel, it is hoped the reseeded plots will still yield a decent stand. The Austrian winter peas and spring oats are growing and filling in as expected.
Three drip irrigation lines per bed are being used to water the cover crops. The three lines allow for more even watering across the bed tops compared to just two lines. Running the irrigation lines before the cover crops gain much growth is much easier than trying to get the tape through after an amount of biomass is in place.
Winterization has been completed on our different systems and equipment just in time for the anticipated, multiple days of at or below freezing temperatures predicted the last of November into early December for southern Illinois. Injectors have been removed from the high tunnels and brought inside, garden hoses have been drained and disconnected from hydrants, fuel stabilizer has been added to various small engine tools such as tillers and weed eaters, and the kerosene heater is filled and ready for use.