Abstract: An air supported tunnel system for protecting soil rows of planted items by providing a cover thereover, the tunnel system includes a tunnel cover adapted to extend cover a longitudinally extending soil row, the covering being of plastic material and defining a tunnel of generally semi-circular cross section; a plurality of longitudinally spaced air ribs integral with the cover and extending from end to end of the cross section of the cover acts as tunnel supports when inflated; an air channel is connected to the tunnel cover along one side thereof, said air channel being in fluid commumincation with each air rib whereby pressurized air may be supplied through said air channel to inflate the air ribs to maintain the tunnel system in erected condition; a water ballast assembly connected to each longitudinal side of the tunnel cover, the water ballast assembly including a water channel connected to the longitudinal side of the cover, a plurality of ballast chambers in fluid communications with each water channe