The California State University (CSU), Stanislaus, in Turlock, Calif., is embarking on a unique sustainable agriculture project that will feature polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe donated by CertainTeed Corp.
The project will include the Sustainable Agriculture Learning Laboratory and a Demonstration School Garden Model that will facilitate hands-on applied research, as well as a community outreach program with local elementary school teachers and students.
Partially funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the laboratory and demonstration site will encompass more than two-thirds of an acre of raised beds, trees and vines, planted areas and demonstration plots. CertainTeed is donating more than 1,700 ft of PVC pressure pipe and Certa-Set PVC irrigation piping that will ensure water is used efficiently at the site.
“Water conservation and preservation are critical components of sustainable agriculture,” said Mark Bender, agricultural studies professor at CSU. “The PVC pressure pipe and Certa-Set irrigation piping donated by CertainTeed are ideal since they are leak-proof, can be moved easily and have exceptional flow characteristics.”
The site will utilize two sources of water for irrigation--reclaimed water on campus and potable water from a well. The area will be irrigated with quick bursts of water, requiring irrigation pipe that can withstand pressure of up to 120 lb per square inch. More than one-third of an acre of pumpkins have already been planted and eight raised planting beds are currently under construction. The entire project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Source: CertainTeed Corp.
