With the continuing increase of high tunnels production and with the profit potential of tomatoes, making them the produce of choice, along with the intensive practices such as two crops per year coupled with no rotation allowed because of high tunnel construction, uncontrollable soil borne diseases and insects made in ground production impossible.  By following Specialists recommendations it was agreed that Soiless Culture was the only choice for a solution.  Knox County became the first county to attempt to grow determinate tomatoes in soiless culture practices.  Through much calaberations with Specialists it became a success and had a production average of over 45 lb of tomatoes per plant the first year.  Because of research and trials conducted Knox County pertaining to varieties, fertilization and other production practices it has allowed producers across the state facing the same soil borne problems to duplicate the Soiless Culture practice.

After 4 years of production, farmers and the Extension Agent continue to work closely with Specialists to conduct research on varieties and fertility for maximum production.  Also, research has been conducted and records have been kept on disease and insect control.