June 28, 2023 - Written By Geswein Farm & Land
Pros & Cons of Agriculture Drainage Tile
Agricultural drainage tile, also known as subsurface drainage, is a system of perforated pipes installed underground to remove excess water from agricultural fields.
Here are the pros and cons of using agricultural drainage tile:
Pros –
Increases Crop Yield: Agricultural drainage tile can improve crop yield by reducing soil saturation, which can lead to better root development and nutrient uptake.
Reduces Soil Erosion: By draining excess water from the soil, agricultural drainage tile can help prevent soil erosion caused by water runoff.
Extends the Growing Season: With improved soil drainage, fields can be planted earlier in the spring and harvested later in the fall, extending the growing season and potentially increasing yield.
Improves Soil Quality: Properly installed and maintained drainage tile can prevent soil compaction and improve soil quality over time.
Reduces Soil Nutrient Loss: By preventing waterlogged conditions, drainage tile can reduce the loss of nutrients from the soil, which can lead to healthier crops and reduce the need for additional fertilizers.
Cons –
Cost: Installing agricultural drainage tile can be expensive, particularly for large fields.
Maintenance: Drainage tile requires regular maintenance to ensure it is functioning properly and not clogged with soil or debris.
Environmental Concerns: Excessive drainage can lead to a loss of wetlands and can impact water quality by increasing the amount of nutrients and pesticides that leach into streams and rivers.
Installation Challenges: Installation of drainage tile can be challenging, particularly in areas with rocks or other obstacles that may impede the installation process.
Potential Legal Issues: Installing drainage tile can impact neighboring properties and may lead to legal disputes over property rights and drainage easements.
“Many frequently asked questions can be answered through research or resources. These questions and concerns can also be answered by land brokers who represent landowners, families, heirs, trustees & investors of farmland to help improve soil value so you get the best returns.”
Top 5 Reasons Landowners Install Drainage Tile:
To increase crop yield and productivity by improving soil drainage and reducing soil saturation.
To reduce soil erosion caused by excess water runoff.
To extend the growing season by allowing fields to be planted earlier in the spring and harvested later in the fall.
To improve soil quality over time by preventing soil compaction.
To reduce nutrient loss from the soil and potentially reduce the need for additional fertilizers.
Additional resources to find more information about agriculture drainage tiling:
Tile Drainage 101: There are miles of tile quietly underneath 50 million-plus acres across the nation. Soils that tend to hold water longer, flat land that can’t get rid of water, and fields that have spots prone to saturation are suited to tile drainage. Keegan Kult, executive director of the Ag Drainage Management Coalition, explains the basics of tile drainage.
Drainage – Purdue Agriculture: The Experimental Drainage Field at the Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center (SEPAC) was initiated in 1983 by researchers in Purdue’s Departments of Agronomy and Agricultural & Biological Engineering. The goal of the project was to evaluate the effectiveness of modern subsurface drainage practices on both soil drainage and crop yield, on a soil that was traditionally not subsurface- (“tile- “) drained. Additional goals of this project were added over time. Check out the New Summaries.
Agricultural Drainage – University of Minnesota: Find more guidance you are looking for on agricultural drainage systems. This also includes planning & design strategies, background about its impact, tools & calculators, regulations, & more.
Understanding the Economics of Tile Drainage – Iowa State University: A major reason for installing subsurface drainage is to improve the productivity of the farmland. Higher yields translate into more returns. This is especially true in recent years due to higher grain prices. The investment decision is based on whether the higher crop returns will justify the investment in subsurface drainage. These investments are especially advantageous for farmers who have large acres to cover.
Thinking about Farm Management?
Benefits & Services
Whether you’ve inherited the family farm or want to improve the value of your farmland, our full suite of farm management services are tailored to meet your goals – from financial or retirement, to passing the farm to the next generation, we help you every step of the way. We represent landowners, families, heirs, trustees & investors of farmland to maximize cash rents, improve soil value and connect you with the best farmer tenants – so you get the best returns.