A Durable, Lightweight Structure for Conducting Field Shading Experiments

A low-cost field shading structure was developed that offers durability and simplicity. The quonset-type structure uses readily available materials, including polyvinyl chloride pipe, construction-grade reinforcing bars, nylon rope, and commercial shade fabric. The total cost for a 3.0 × 6.0 × 2.4-m (width/length/height) structure that provided 47% shade was $88.00. The structure offers substantial flexibility in terms of size and degree of shading without significantly altering design. The structure was durable under a wide range of weather conditions, and the design allowed sufficient air movement to prevent a stagnant air layer from developing over the crop.