Soil Management and Fertilizer Use: Drainage

Excerpt from Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (Chapter 2)

Order OMAFRA Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Tile Drainage
3. Surface Drainage
4. Water Table Management
5. Updates on Soil Management Drainage
6. Related Links...

Introduction

Good drainage is essential for all farm operations. It will increase the yield of most crops and improve the efficiency of the overall operation.

Tile Drainage

Tile drainage artificially removes excess water from soil. It will actually increase the amount of available water in the soil by allowing crop roots to use a larger volume of soil.

Drainage is also an important conservation practice. It can reduce surface runoff by allowing more water to soak into the soil.

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Surface Drainage

Surface drainage is often used to remove water from relatively flat areas of fields. While this serves to remove water from parts of a field, it can also contribute to soil erosion and the movement of nutrients into surface water.

Water Table Management

Traditionally, tile drains were installed simply to remove excess water from soil. However, recently, research shows these drains may serve a dual purpose: removing excess water and supplying water to the growing crop. By controlling water flow in the drains, groundwater levels are maintained near the bottom of the crop root zone. The consistent moisture source reduces stress and improves crop production. Controlling the amount of water that leaves the tiles also leads to more efficient use of nutrients and chemicals.

Updates on Soil Management and Fertilizer Use: Drainage

No updates available at this time.

Related links...

• Soil Management
• Soil Water Management
• Stewardship of Rural Resources: Water Quality, Supply, Drainage & Irrigation

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