The Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Center now offers plasticulture equipment for rent to help local fruit, flower, and vegetable growers establish plastic mulch production systems. Plasticulture is an excellent tool for improving crop quality, increasing yields, reducing weeds, conserving soil moisture, and making fertilizer and irrigation applications more efficient.
Research has shown that growing crops on plastic mulch can increase production while reducing disease pressure and improving overall crop quality. When paired with drip irrigation, plasticulture also allows growers to fertigate efficiently by applying precise amounts of water and nutrients directly to the crop root zone.
Equipment Available
The following equipment is available for rent through the Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Center:
- Nolts RB436 Plastic Layer – Designed for laying 3-foot plastic mulch. Requires a 25–30 horsepower tractor.
- Rain-Flo 1800 Mulch Lifter – Used for removing plastic mulch at the end of the growing season. Requires a 55 horsepower tractor.
Growers are responsible for providing a trailer capable of safely transporting the equipment to and from their farm.
What Does It Cost?
There are two fees associated with renting the equipment: a rental fee and a refundable security deposit.
- Rental Fee ($25 per day): Cashier's check or money order
- Refundable Security Deposit ($25 per day): Personal check
The rental fee helps offset the cost of maintaining and repairing the equipment. The security deposit is returned when the equipment is brought back in good condition and on the agreed-upon return date.
Please make the checks payable to:
Rental Fee ($25 per day): NC A&T
Note: This check must be a cashier's check or money order.
Refundable Security Deposit ($25 per day): Wilkes CES
Example: 3-Day Rental
- $75 rental fee made payable to NC A&T
- $75 personal check made payable to Wilkes CES
Who Can Rent the Equipment?
Any North Carolina farmer may rent the equipment. Equipment is rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Growers are responsible for transporting the equipment and ensuring they have a trailer and tractor that meet the equipment requirements.
How Do I Rent the Equipment?
To reserve the equipment, please contact the Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Center. We ask that you provide at least one week's notice whenever possible. Equipment availability is based on reservations and is rented on a first-come, first-served basis.
Equipment Pickup and Return
The equipment is housed at the Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Center, 416 Executive Drive Suite B, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.
Equipment should be returned on the agreed-upon date since other growers may have reservations. Please return the equipment free of excessive mud, soil, and crop residue. Failure to return the equipment on time or in acceptable condition may affect future rental privileges.
Have Questions?
For equipment reservations or additional information, please contact:
Matthew Clay
Horticulture Agent
Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Center
416 Executive Drive Suite B
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: 336-651-7333
Email: mhclay@ncsu.edu
