Through plastic and irrigation, area extension agents are looking forward to showing small farmers how to produce crops using the agriculture plastic method.

Sampson County Cooperative Extension is hosting its Small Farm Plasticulture & Drip Irrigation Demonstration from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at Highsmith Farm, 125 Kenneth Carter Road, Clinton.

According to extension officials, plasticulture may be used to extend the growing season and enhance growth, yield, and the quality of a variety of vegetable crops. The workshop, which will be held with the assistance of Highsmith Farm, is intended for small and beginning farmers. Growers interested in plasticulture production are welcome to attend.

James Hartsfield, area farm management agent for Sampson and Duplin counties, said the system of using black plastic an drip production can benefit a lot of farmers. When it comes to having a longer season, some of the advantages are similar to using high tunnels or greenhouses.

“It would enhance their growth, yield and quality of whatever they’re trying to grow,” Hartsfield said. “If they put it under plastic, versus bare ground, it could increase their yield and they could probably sell on the market a little bit ahead of time, maybe about two weeks.”

Hartsfield added that black plastic may also help farmers control weed growth.

“When you grow on bare ground, you have to go out there and keep it plowed out and keep the weeds out of it,” he said. “This plastic would help eliminate some of that.”

Another benefit is row cover, which can protect plants from cold and wind. It can also prevent insects from getting on plants and spreading diseases.

The drip irrigation system aids production with a header hose under the plastic, which provides water to the plant. Farmers save water and nutrients when water slowly drips on the crops.

“With the drip system, you don’t use as much water, versus the overhead irrigation,” he said. “You’re losing a lot of water when you’re doing overhead and with the drip system, it’s going directly to the root of the plant.”

For more information, contact Hartsfiled at 910-592-7161 or by email at [email protected]. Walter Adams, agricultural natural resources technician, may also be contacted at 910-296-2143 or by email at [email protected].

“I encourage small farmers who are growing vegetables and looking to get an early market, to participate and see how this process is done,” Hartsfield said. “We’re hoping that we have a pretty good turnout.”

Hartsfield
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By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.