Farm Drainage
Here are some of the benefits of having a proper farm drainage system.
Drainage problems are caused by an excess of water at the soil surface or in the root zone. Drainage work is carried out to improve the root-zone environment for crop growth, to improve conditions for cultivation, planting and harvesting, to allow earlier spring planting for better use of the short Canadian growing season, and to convey salts out of the soil in areas where salinity is a problem. The problem of excess water and inadequate drainage is obvious wherever pondings remain after rainfall or snowmelt. A less obvious problem exists when the root zone is saturated but no water is present on the surface. Most crops prefer moist, unsaturated soil, with more than 5% of the root zone volume filled with air. Air space allows roots to respire, grow and obtain nutrients from the soil.
Higher Crop Yields
Higher Crop Yields
System drainage represents greater production. It’s the final step for today’s top producers to bring fields up to their full capabilities, and it’s the only agricultural investment that will pay for itself every year.
Reduced Production Costs
Reduced Production Costs
Your production costs will decrease through better usage of inputs from your field management plan. Wear on equipment will also decrease as the drainage system helps improve the structure of your soils.
Total Field Farming
Total Field Farming
System drainage will show some of the greatest benefits in areas of persistent excess moisture problems, transforming some of your least productive land into performance fields.
Increased Land Value
Increased Land Value
Having a well-drained field is extremely valuable. The investment you make into a drainage system is reflected in the land valuation. Typically, the land increases in value by the cost of the drainage system.
Earlier Planting and Harvesting
Earlier Planting and Harvesting
Drainage systems remove excess water that hampers soil warm-up in the spring. Having consistent water table levels throughout the growing season will allow faster, more consistent plant growth for quicker harvest start-ups in the fall.
Deeper Root Growth
Deeper Root Growth
The removal of excess moisture ensures continued root growth for better production when moisture is scarce. Plants also become less susceptible to disease as water tables become more under control.
Better Fertilizer Usage
Better Fertilizer Usage
The proper balance of moisture, oxygen and organic matter can more readily be achieved and maintained through proper system drainage. Fertilizers become more usable under these conditions, and unnecessary run-off is decreased.
Better Aeration of the Soil
Better Aeration of the Soil
With excess moisture removed, the oxygen balance of your fields reaches proper levels, promoting plant growth.
Increased Bacterial Action
Increased Bacterial Action
Removal of excess moisture increases and promotes bacterial action in the soil, leading to increased yields.
