Identifying novel field storage techniques for carrots

In the short-term, the most cost-effective means of reducing straw usage would be to move to a poly-over-straw system, with potential savings of £2,000 per ha on straw costs.

Project aim:

This project aims to identify a range of novel techniques for in-situ field storage of carrots that can be advanced to field trials in 2014.

Project objectives:

1. Establish and document the heat transfer and light exclusion principles critical for field storage of carrots.
2. Benchmark the heat transfer and light exclusion characteristics of current straw (+/- poly) techniques to compare to novel methods.
3. Identify novel techniques for replacing or reducing straw usage with alternative insulators or methods.
4. Evaluate the potential efficacy and cost of the identified techniques compared to straw systems.
5. Compile and present a list of the most promising techniques to BCGA R&D committee for discussion and selection for potential field trials 2014.
6. Report and disseminate results to the carrot industry