Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
Sprinkled High TunnelFrost Protection
A simple, effective, low cost, low water usage solution
Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
High-Tunnel Construction Techniqueswith Minor Differences
● 18-foot-wide tunnel with 10-foot in row platform spacing● Circular arc without crimp to prevent buckling under load● 6 mil PE film for strength● Spine (solid or wire) to prevent displacement under load● Overhead sprinkler designed for complete coverage
Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
Open-field farming techniques
Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
Tender young plants are protected while ice falls harmlessly between the tunnels
Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
First 10 days of pilot project. Sprinklers installed on 1/12/07. System optimized by 1/17/07
Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
Local air temperatures during pilot project
Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
Comparison to Conventional Frost Protection
Sprinkled high tunnels
● 30 gpm/acre● Effective to 19° F● No harm to plant
Direct sprinkling
● 90 gpm/acre● Effective to 25° F● Breakage due to weight
of ice
Less water, lower temperatures, less damage
Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
Detail showing ice shedding the morning after a frost, along with overhead-sprinkler plumbing.
Oso Ag LLC - PO Box 242, Buellton, CA 93427 - (805) 705-4707 osoag.com
Successful pilot project with 10 acres of organic heirloom tomatoes