For farmers looking to manage saline soils and improve crop yields, tile drainage is a timely and effective solution. It is a strategy that requires patience, but the results are worth the wait.
Corn and soybean farms in several parts of the country have seen improvements in salinity and yields thanks to this game-changing drainage system.
A tile drainage is a piping system installed underground to remove excess water from farmlands. The aim is to reduce the water table to a level that does not interfere with plant development.
In an ideal soil composition ratio, the soil should contain air and water. Excess water from rainfall can deprive the soil of air leading to reduced soil microbes and plant death.
The system consists of a perforated pipe, headers that deliver the water underground, and a pumping outlet that takes the water to a designated area.
Key Benefits of Tile Drainage
Dof Hofstrand, an agricultural business specialist, in his publication, observed the following tile drainage benefits for the modern farmer:
- Improved farmland productivity – increased farmland acreage
- Consistent yields – allows for efficient use of resources and reduction of financial risk
- Early planting and extended harvesting timelines
- Less plant stress and disease
- Less equipment wear and tear
Other secondary benefits include improved weed control and increased land sale value. Overall, tile drainage can help farmers increase their crop yield and earn more money.
The Installation Cost Factor
In terms of tile drainage installation costs, Hofstrand puts it this way,
“The investment decision should be based on whether the higher crop yields will justify the investment in subsurface drainage.”
The basic installation cost ranges between $1,000 and $2,000 per acre. In places where natural gravity may not be reliable, you can expect extra costs for equipment like a lifting station that comes with additional power costs.
That said, apart from pattern tiling, where the entire acreage is tiled, farmers can consider selective tiling for areas with poor drainage, as it is cost-effective and can provide a quicker return on investment.
Tile drainage may take years to improve the soil, but it’s a reliable tool that modern landowners can invest in for long-term farming success.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.