Mulching with Black Plastic Drainage Pipe

Project Overview

FNE99-265
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 1999: $2,390.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/1999
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $1,800.00
Region: Northeast
State: Maryland
Project Leader:
Lawrence MacDonald

Commodities

  • Fruits: melons
  • Vegetables: greens (leafy), greens (lettuces), tomatoes

Practices

  • Pest Management: physical control, mulching - plastic, prevention
  • Production Systems: general crop production

    Proposal summary:

    Traditional plastic mulch used for weed control, soil incubation, water retention and drainage when used over a soil bed is cumbersome, expensive and cannot be reused season after season. Black 15 inch plastic drainage pipe cut lengthwise to form two identical 20 foot mulching pieces is durable, reusable, curved for good water drainage and black for good soil incubation. Using this proposed method of mulching, farmers will save time and money by eliminating the need to take up, throw away and re-layer soil with new plastic mulch each season. Plastic pipe pieces are easily taken up and can be stacked one on top of another for storage. Holes drilled in top of pipe of correct diameter and spacing, depending on crop, eliminates need to stake through plastic season after season.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.