Adoption of Plastic Mulch and Drip Irrigation by Small Limited Resource Farmers in North Carolina

Plastic mulch and drip irrigation can increase vegetable yields, reduce chemical input on weed control, and help limited resource farmers sustain their business. The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina A&T State University provides plasticulture program training for field staff and growers in the use of plastic mulch and drip irrigation. In addition, the equipment needed to apply these technologies is available for checkout at no cost to limited resource farmers in four regions of the state. By 2010, at least 105 farmers were involved in the program and more have been added since. In 2010, a multiple-format survey was conducted and 31 farmers responded. Results indicated that 20 participants had not used plastic mulch and 18 had not used drip irrigation prior to the program. All of them started to use plastic mulch and/or drip irrigation after receiving the training. Among them, 29 had fully participated in the program using plastic mulch as well as drip irrigation. One participant chose to use drip irrigation but not plastic mulch. Approximately 90% of respondents indicated that the provided plastic mulch and drip irrigation training saved them money and/or increased their farm income. Seventy-three percent of respondents reported at least $1000 increased income and 46% reported at least $5000 more income. Increased crop quality and yield was reported by 96.5% of participants. Crop yield increases ranged from 10% to 300%. All respondents reported that the quality of information they received through the training was excellent or very good. At least 83.5% of farmers made changes to their farms due to the information they received, which included adding new/different vegetable species or cultivars, improving water and fertilizer management, applying organic practices, using less labor and/or buying plastic mulch equipment. Additionally, this program has allowed farmers to take advantage of a cost-share program where farmers can purchase drip irrigation supplies and/or plastic mulch depending on their individual farm needs.