Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Systems model and prototype development to capture and use rain water run-off from a high tunnel

Project ID: E2011-14

Abstract

High tunnels offer opportunities for farmers to increase production of seasonal horticultural crops. Because of the tunnel roof design, rainfall poses challenges of drainage, erosion and runoff. This project investigates a system for catching and collecting the rainwater for future use in irrigation.

Key Question: Can rainwater run-off from high tunnels be economically and efficiently captured and reused for drop irrigation?

Findings: The model was built and proven to be efficient and economical, especially in areas where access to water and power are limited.

Lead investigator: Ray Hansen, ISU Value Added Agriculture Extension

Co-Investigator(s):

Linda Naeve, ISU Value Added Agriculture Extension, and Shawn Shouse, ISU Extension

Year of grant completion: 2012

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Fruit and vegetables