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Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the impact of production tactics to reduce stress resulting from elevated high tunnel temperatures as well as to determine the impact of the unique microclimate in high tunnels on N mineralization in an organic production system. Two common tactics used to reduce air temperature were examined. Water fogging systems did not significantly reduce daytime air temperature, but shade cloth (30%) decreased average daytime temperatures in the high tunnels. Suitability of a shaded (30%) high tunnel system for summer lettuce production was also evaluated. The use of shade cloth was found to be an effective way to produce marketable lettuce during the summer months in north Georgia. To determine the impact of the high tunnel microclimate on N mineralization, predicted values as well as actual mineralized N from crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) were obtained and compared.