TSP Assists with Installation of Plasticulture System in Green County

by Julie A. Best, Public Affairs Specialist, Auburn, AL

Small and limited resource farms make up a large portion of the farming operations in Alabama, yet this segment of the farm population has disproportionately low levels of adoption of established measures for conserving soil and protecting groundwater. To encourage limited resource producers to participate in NRCS programs and implement practices that make wise use of natural resources, Alabama established a conservation practices called plasticulture with drip irrigation that would appeal to limited resource producers. A Technical Service Provider (TSP) who has experience in installing the practice is available to assist producers with installation of the practice.

Eugene Hall is a TSP who works with NRCS through the Federation of Southern Cooperatives located at Epes, Alabama, and the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District. Hall is skilled in the installation of plastic mulch and drip irrigation. When a limited resource producer gets an Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contract to assist with the installation of plastic mulch with drip irrigation, Hall is available to provide technical assistance to guide the producer through the process. The first step requires an on-site visit to determine the feasibility of installing the system. During on-site visits, the TSP will determine the needs of the producer, listen to any problems that they may be having in installing the system, and help them resolve those issues. Hall explains the process of preparing the land for installation of the plastic and he is available to oversee the installation of the plastic to ensure that problems do not arise as a result of installation mistakes.

Drip irrigation is an efficient use of water. Only the growing mound is irrigated. Hall says, “When the water goes into the ground, there are only two places for the water to go—trough condensation, the water may go up on the plastic and back on the plants or the water can be absorbed by the plants. Having the water available directly to the plants is a tremendous advantage to the producer and an efficient use of the water.”

To be competitive in today’s marketplace, produce growers must strive continually for high quality, superior yields, and extended production cycles. Plasticulture is a management tool that enables vegetable producers to realize greater returns per acre of land. And, the first step is proper installation of the plastic mulch and drip irrigation. With the installation of plastic mulch and drip irrigation, limited resource producers are installing conservation practices that make wise use of natural resources. With proper planning, attention to details, and dedication to all aspects of the plasticulture system, the opportunity exists to increase the profits from land acreage which using efficient production techniques. And, in Alabama, a TSP is helping limited resource producers make that happen.

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