What WNC Crop?

Here is what we know to date:

For those of you who are experts in this area forgive me if you are reading:

Crops that use Precooling in WNC, or Postharvest Precooling Methods

Apples
Berries
Peppers
Cabbage
Broccoli
Onions
Blueberries
Green Beans
Field peas
Tomatoes

Methods of Precooling, We can use forced air, hydrocooling, or still air. Each of these methods is different and applies to different crops. For example: Apples respond well to hydrocooling but tomatoes need room cooling. Tomatoes are very sensitive to chilling. A geothermal unit can assist in each of these areas because it simple allows the owner to bring a the temperature of the cooling fluid, air or water in this case to a temperature needed by the commodity  (crop). Each crop needs a different temperature but the temperature change needed of the cooling fluid will always be less when using geothermal. This temperature difference is referred to as the DELTA T. Delta T from 58 to 50 requires less energy than Delta T from 82 to 50. The temperature of the earth is constant (for the most part) at depths fro 50 to 200 feet. We utilize this in any type of ground source heat pump.

The challenge at this point is to create equipment that will accomplish this precooling in a method that is cost effective and accessible to people in WNC. We are currently using ground source heat pumps for residences and commercial buildings but people prefer to be at 70 degrees and tomatoes like it more near 40-50 degrees depending on their maturity. This being one of the challenges of the progress,

Today's link in the industry:
A picture and bio of the MT Research Station.

http://www.ncagr.gov/research/mrs.htm