R. C. Hochmuth¹, G. J. Hochmuth¹, R. K. Sprenkel¹, E. H. Simonne², D. D. Treadwell², L. S. Osborne³, T. W. Olczyk⁴ and Y. C. Li^4
1University of Florida/IFAS, North Florida Research & Education Center
7580 County Road 136, Live Oak, Florida, USA, 32060
²University of Florida/IFAS, Horticultural Sciences Department
PO Box 110690, Gainesville, Florida, USA, 32611-0690
³University of Florida/IFAS, Mid-Florida Research & Education Center – Apopka
2725 Binion Rd, Apopka, Florida, USA, 32703-8504
⁴University of Florida/IFAS, Tropical Research and Education Center – Homestead
18905 SW 280 St, Homestead, Florida, USA, 33031-3314

Abstract. Organic vegetable production in the United States has increased about 20% annually in the past 15 years. Field production of organic crops in Florida is perhaps the most challenging of any state due to high pest populations and subtropical and tropical climates. Florida producers can increase their success by adapting or modifying greenhouse production techniques currently used by hydroponic producers. Several agricultural plastic products are available to growers to be utilized in developing greenhouse organic soilless systems. In addition to greenhouse glazing materials, other key plastic products have been adapted and proven useful in organic soilless systems including drip tape and plastic troughs. The use of open plastic troughs filled with organic soilless media and drip tape with close emitter spacing (4 inches) were the key components of the production system. Organic nutrient sources were applied by hand to the media and the drip tape was used to deliver water only. The successful use of agricultural plastics in the development of an organic system for herb production will be discussed.

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