The No-No’s Installation and Constructing of a Polytunnel on a Harsh Gradient

Polytunnel companies are a proven and valuable advice and purchase outlet, for growers and producers, concerning their product knowledge and experience, in all types of polytunnel installations and constructions, these structures provide high levels of protection from the elements and an extension to growing seasons. The importance of placement and construction is reflected in their effectiveness and performance.

While some of us may be new to these versatile housings, the same can be true for farmers or start-up growers. This presents significant challenges that can affect its stability, durability, performance and growing efficiency. For optimal results, polytunnels should always be placed on a near-level surface or slight slope, where they can function at optimal capacity without the risks posed by uneven terrain and poor drainage, leading to flooding or pooling problems on inexperienced polytunnel installations.

Problems Arising of Constructing a Polytunnel Placement on a Slope

Polytunnel companies are experienced experts, not only about the structure and cover materials but also about good cultivation practices, that could affect the health and growth ability of crops or plants and other major concerns for the structure itself as shown below.

1. Poor polytunnel installations can cause stability issues and structural weakness caused by placing these housings at an acute angle. Polytunnel companies understand they are purposely designed to be firmly anchored to as near as level ground, and not on a steep slope or gradient, the weight distribution and angle positioning, will cause undue stress and raise ongoing concerns, with increased strain on the frame and covering, making it more prone to bending or warping under strong winds or heavy snow, even though their design shape is in place to reduce this happening.

Environmental and mechanical stresses over time, can cause misalignment of doors, windows, and ventilation systems. Leading to a greater risk of collapse or being blown away in harsh weather conditions, particularly in exposed locations.

2. Drainage Problems and Soil Erosion

Water naturally runs downhill, which means a polytunnel on a slope is more susceptible to poor drainage, pooling and erosion. Water pooling at the lower end, making it too wet for crops, and access entry, while potentially damaging the structure’s strength and anchoring foundation.

Soil erosion, from being placed on a steep incline causes soil to be washed away reducing essential nutrients and exposing plant roots or watering concerns and dry soil on the steeper ends of the tunnel. Difficulty maintaining consistent moisture levels, leading to poor quality and uneven crop growth.

3. Uneven Growing Conditions

Polytunnel companies ensure stable and controlled microclimate, but slopes can disrupt temperature and airflow balance. Professional polytunnel installations and the preciseness of the process must consider all of the following: Location, placement, durability of the structure, intended use and desired protection and micro-climate suited to its growing purpose or use.

1.    Temperature variations as hot air rises, making the upper side warmer while the lower side remains colder, impacting plant development and growth.

2.    Watering issues, while water naturally drains away or seeps downwards, on a gradient or slope it may cause over-hydrating plants or crops at the bottom while depriving those at the top level.

3.    Light distribution due to the angle and phase of the sun. If the slope affects the optimal orientation of the polytunnel, it may cause shadows and inconsistency of sunlight exposure, leading to ineffective or poor plant growth.

Polytunnel companies ensure the correct positioning and placement of a polytunnel, on a flat, even surface with optimal exposure to the sun, eliminate any placement challenges and provide a stable, productive environment for cultivating healthy produce, ensuring their polytunnel installations provide optimal performance and protection.

For any queries and cultivation concerns on locations or positioning, polytunnel companies will offer excellent guidance and support on how to achieve optimal polytunnel installations and improved performance levels.

Solutions for Sloped Land or Unlevel Ground

Level out the slope or terrace the area by creating stepped sections.

Use a solid or reinforced base with metal, wooden or concrete foundations or anchoring points.

Add support bars or braces.

If a problem of flooding or pooling install a drainage solution, especially if trenching in the cover.

Quality polytunnel installations are the bread and butter for professional polytunnel companies, who will support and guide you through your purchased product so that, you do not come across inexperienced installation and construction difficulties.