good contact between the soil and Drip proper distribution of . Also, surface and the (or ) is a practice backflow prevention equipment should limiting the maximum warming of that can be applied on cropland fields be installed to prevent contamination of the soil and early growth in spring that are used for fruits, vegetables, or the water supply. Chemigation plantings. Soil should be thoroughly stems flower production. This practice (injection of fertilizer, etc.) through the tilled to achieve a well-pulverized is applicable on gently sloping sites system is an important consideration soil that can be formed into a firm, which allow for long rows (usually no when using plasticulture. Without smooth bed, free of clods and more than 400 ft.) that can be divided chemigation equipment, proper residue or debris. into zones to facilitate water delivery of fertilizer to the plant root requirements and good drainage. To zone is very difficult. Good soil moisture is essential to ensure proper drainage, a contour The maximum size of the make firm beds. Recommended survey of the site is recommended to cropland field used with this practice is available water capacity (AWC) should determine water flow between raised two acres, if applied through the range between 60 and 80 percent. row beds. In order to ensure adequate Alabama Natural Resources Con- AWC is estimated on site, based on drainage and minimize erosion, row servation Service (NRCS) Environ- appearance and feel of the soil in the gradients should be at least 0.5 mental Quality Incentives Program plow zone. The NRCS document percent, but no steeper than 1 percent. (EQIP) for Limited Resource Farmers “Estimating Soil Moisture by Feel and The end of the rows should be (LRF)-Limited Resource Small Scale Appearance” can be used to make established to a dense stand of grass Farmer Initiative (LRSSFI). Additional AWC field estimates. as a filter strip. acreage can be applied at the discretion of the producer without cost- Mulch Machines Preparation and Planning share assistance. Mulch machines have a dispenser A water supply of sufficient Three to four weeks prior to capable of holding at least one roll of quantity and quality is the first thing that plastic installation, the field should be plastic, furrow openers at the edge of should be evaluated. A well is a good deep plowed and plant residue the bed, press wheels to push the water source since it requires little thoroughly incorporated to allow for edges of the film into the open furrow, filtration; however, water quality can decomposition and to avoid problems and discs to cover the edges of the become an issue in ground water and with plastic installation, seeding, and plastic (tuck). Most machines will also may cause emitters to clog. Ponds and transplanting. have some means of controlling streams require a filtration system tension on the plastic as it is being laid. which adds considerable cost to the Plant Beds Drip applicators are normally attached irrigation system. Where available, a The beds must be made correctly. to the front of the mulch layer. Fumiga- community water system may be the There is no room for error. Row beds tion equipment may also be attached best alternative for small acreages. should be loose and friable, and free to the mulch layer. If fumigant is Pressure regulation should from stones, clods, and plant residue. If applied in a separate operation, follow be a part of the system to insure present, these factors can prevent the instructions on the label. original location. This can result in very important for the grower to: (1) too much or little water/fertilizer match the plastic system equipment being applied in the root zone. with the needs of their operation, (2) Shallow subsurface placement (1 to purchase well-built, functional 2 inches) of the drip tube is equipment, and (3) learn how to preferred. properly use the equipment before Although upward and lateral placing plastic in the field. For some movement of water in loose, sandy growers, custom application by trained soils is limited, downward movement professionals is a more desirable occurs readily. This can result in alternative. moisture deficiency near the soil Proper placement of the drip tube surface and subsequent stress on is essential for effective irrigation and recently seeded or transplanted crops. becomes even more critical if fertilizers Some fumigants should be covered Therefore, in sandy soils, the drip tube are to be injected. Keep in mind, if it is with immediately after should not be placed more than 1 inch not done correctly the first time, the application. deep. plastic mulch will not allow a second To prevent wind from getting chance. under the plastic (blowing and flapping Plans and Specifications problems) during installation, pull the Specifications for applying (Tube) plastic mulch tightly to the bed. Also, plasticulture should be prepared for There are two primary factors make certain that the edges of the using existing micro-irrigation, influencing the placement of the drip plastic are tight along the side of the mulching, nutrient and pest manage- tube—the soil type and the number of bed and held firmly in the soil. ment standards, job sheets, narrative rows per bed. Soil type significantly Take time to adjust the plastic statements in the conservation plan, or influences the movement of water. In laying machine when needed. The other acceptable documentation lighter sandy soils, lateral movement of press wheels should hold the plastic offered through NRCS. water near the soil surface is no more firmly against the bed and the discs than 8 to10 inches along each side of should throw soil at least half-way up Plastic Disposal the tube. Lateral movement in the side of the bed, but not on top of The producer will be responsible moderate to heavy soils may extend 10 the bed. When starting the plastic for proper disposal of plastic at the end to 15 inches past each side of the tube. application at the beginning of each of the season in an environmentally Although the drip tube may be bed, anchor the plastic by covering it safe manner. placed on top of the soil, surface with soil. At the end of each bed, cut placement makes it more the plastic off the roll and immediately Reference accessible to rodents and insects. cover the loose end with enough soil to The University of Georgia Also, temperature fluctuations at the firmly secure it. College of Agricultural and Environ- soil surface can cause contraction Most plastic mulch machines can mental Sciences Cooperative and expansion of the tube and it inject fumigant and install plastic and Extension Service. may “snake” or wander from the the drip tube in one operation. It is

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