cellar-protocol/field-guide.json

{
  "_meta": {
    "version": "1.0",
    "location": "Storm Lake, Iowa (Zone 5B)",
    "coordinates": {"lat": 42.4725, "lon": -95.1114},
    "author": "Barbara Cintron",
    "generated": "2026-07-18",
    "citation_base": "https://barbara-cintron.4ort.net/"
  },
  "climate_profile": {
    "zone": "5B",
    "avg_min_temp_f": -15,
    "avg_max_july_f": 88,
    "first_frost_window": "OCT 10-20",
    "last_frost_window": "APR 15-25",
    "snow_pack_avg_inches": 18,
    "freeze_depth_max_inches": 42
  },
  "crops": {
    "turnip": {
      "scientific_name": "Brassica rapa subsp. rapa",
      "wikidata": "Q3916957",
      "type": "root_vegetable",
      "family": "Brassicaceae",
      "planting_window": {
        "start": "AUG 15",
        "end": "SEP 5",
        "days_to_maturity": "56-62"
      },
      "harvest_protocol": {
        "deadline": "OCT 15",
        "method": "lift_before_first_hard_freeze",
        "storage_option": "in_ground_with_snow_cover"
      },
      "thermal_limits": {
        "soil_temp_minimum_f": 35,
        "frost_tolerance_bare_f": -10,
        "frost_tolerance_mulched_f": -20,
        "snow_cover_required_inches": 6
      },
      "physiology": {
        "sucrose_accumulation_target_percent": "18-22",
        "peak_date": "DEC 21",
        "spring_recovery_days": 21
      },
      "failure_modes": [
        {
          "condition": "planting_after_SEP_10",
          "outcome": "insufficient_sucrose",
          "death_temp_f": -5
        }
      ]
    },
    "carrot": {
      "scientific_name": "Daucus carota subsp. sativus",
      "type": "root_vegetable",
      "family": "Apiaceae",
      "planting_window": {
        "start": "JUL 20",
        "end": "AUG 10",
        "days_to_maturity": "70-80"
      },
      "harvest_protocol": {
        "deadline": "NOV 1",
        "method": "leave_in_ground_with_straw_mulch",
        "spring_harvest_from": "APR 15"
      },
      "soil_requirements": {
        "texture": "loam_or_silt",
        "clay_failure_mode": "forked_roots",
        "row_spacing_inches": 12
      },
      "thermal_limits": {
        "frost_tolerance_mulched_f": -5,
        "mulch_thickness_inches": "8-12",
        "material": "straw"
      },
      "physiology": {
        "beta_carotene_peak": "SEP 25 +/- 3d",
        "loss_rate_if_frozen_early_percent": 94
      }
    },
    "kale_scotts_green": {
      "scientific_name": "Brassica oleracea var. acephala",
      "type": "leafy_green",
      "family": "Brassicaceae",
      "planting_window": {
        "start": "JUN 15",
        "end": "JUL 5"
      },
      "harvest_protocol": {
        "first_harvest": "SEP 10",
        "peak_flavor": "DEC 21",
        "method": "lower_leaves_only",
        "continuous_yield_period": "NOV-MAR"
      },
      "structural_requirements": {
        "crown_height_above_soil_inches": 4,
        "wind_exposure_limit_mph": 15
      },
      "thermal_limits": {
        "frost_tolerance_hardened_f": -15,
        "hardening_deadline": "OCT 15"
      },
      "physiology": {
        "glucosinolates_increase_post_frost_percent": 300,
        "antifreeze_protein_synthesis": "gradual_cooling_required"
      },
      "failure_modes": [
        {
          "condition": "sudden_freeze_below_-10F_without_hardening",
          "outcome": "meristem_death"
        }
      ]
    },
    "parsley_flat_leaf": {
      "scientific_name": "Petroselinum crispum",
      "type": "herb",
      "family": "Apiaceae",
      "life_cycle": "biennial",
      "planting_window": {
        "start": "APR 15",
        "end": "MAY 10",
        "establishment_days": 60
      },
      "winter_protocol": {
        "protection_type": "cold_frame_mandatory",
        "frame_height_inches": 18,
        "venting_threshold_f": 45
      },
      "thermal_limits": {
        "min_soil_temp_f": 28,
        "frost_tolerance_protected_f": -8,
        "unprotected_death_temp_f": 20
      },
      "physiology": {
        "apiole_content_increase_post_frost_factor": 2.1,
        "year_two_behavior": "flower_and_seed"
      },
      "harvest_method": "outer_stems_weekly"
    }
  },
  "physics": {
    "snow_insulation": {
      "density_g_per_cm3": 0.1,
      "thermal_conductivity_cal_per_cm_s_C": 0.0001,
      "depth_for_minus_20_F_inches": 6,
      "depth_for_minus_30_F_inches": 12
    },
    "soil_thermal": {
      "heat_capacity_cal_per_g_C": 0.2,
      "freeze_front_rate_inches_per_day": 0.8,
      "safe_root_zone_below_inches": 12
    },
    "monitoring": {
      "interval_hours": 24,
      "observation_time_local": "0600"
    }
  },
  "action_matrix": {
    "forecast_minus_25_F": {
      "action": "pile_loose_straw_to_8_inches",
      "compaction": "light_hand_pressure",
      "replenishment_trigger": "after_wind_event"
    },
    "snow_drift_detected": {
      "action": "measure_depth_at_crop_edge",
      "minimum_acceptable_inches": 6,
      "supplement_if_below": true
    },
    "temperature_spike_above_45_F_in_winter": {
      "action": "vent_cold_frames",
      "prevent": "bolting"
    }
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "entity": "turnip",
      "authority": "Wikidata Q3916957",
      "url": "https://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q3916957"
    },
    {
      "entity": "plant_hardiness_zone",
      "authority": "USDA Agricultural Research Service",
      "url": "https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/"
    }
  ]
}