Geneva
County fruit and vegetable producers recently braved a damp morning to
participate in a demonstration of equipment that puts down plastic mulch on a
raised-bed.
This new machine will help producers grow vegetables under plastic using drip
tape, or micro-irrigation, that will aid in water conservation and weed
protection for fruit and vegetables.
Micro-Irrigation uses a network of plastic pipes to carry a low flow of water
under low pressure to plants that are growing in plastic mulch. Water is
applied much more slowly than with sprinkler irrigation.
"Our District Supervisors are making the effort to reach out and assist our
local farmers," said W. M. Donnell, Chairman of the Geneva County SWCD. Geneva
County producers planted over 1,000 acres of truck crops in 2007.
"NRCS is very appreciative of the District for having the vision to assist
farmers in Geneva County. The equipment will be available for local producers
and participants in the EQIP program – Micro
Irrigation Systems Practice - to lay plastic and irrigation tape for their fruit
and vegetables," said NRCS District Conservationist James Currington of the
Geneva Field Office.
NRCS
Soil Conservationist Zach Adams and Agricultural Engineer Shane King helped
answer questions and give details about how the equipment can help with farm
operations.
William Birdsong, Agricultural Specialist at the Headland Experiment Station,
talked to the producers on the importance of conserving water due to the drought
in the South for the past several years.
Billy Ray, Paul and Ryan Kelly, partners in Kelly Farms in Slocomb,
volunteered their time and experience to assist with the demonstration.
The demonstration was a joint effort of the Geneva County SWCD and NRCS.
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