Drainage Water Management

1. Drainage Water Management Beth E. Clarizia, P.E. Agricultural Engineer

2. Drainage in the Midwest

3. Where the Nitrogen is…

4. Drainage Water Management Practice Standard 554 • Requirements • Existing drainage system • Structure can not restrict drainage when open • Must have 10 feet of solid drainage pipe with an anti-seep collar attached to structure

5. Structure for Water Control Practice Standard 587 • Requirements • Can not affect neighboring landowner drainage

6. Where do they work? • Use where grades are < 1% • Where neighboring land users will not be affected • Where structures can be planned on existing systems (locate and determine influence)

7. Raised Water Table Tile Ditch Riser Boards (Adjustable) The Influence of Slope The water level control device placed in a tile line. The area impacted is a function of the slope of the field. The flatter the field the greater the area impacted.

8. Field Boundary laterals laterals main main Water level control structure Drainage Management(Parallel System and Flat Topography)

9. Raising/ Lowering Levels • Spring • Lower the water table for planting • At least 2 weeks prior to entering field • After planting/summer • Raise water table to approximately 18 inches for the crops to use (or higher?) • Stores some water for draught periods • Fall • Lower water table for harvest • Winter • After harvest, raise water table to the surface

10. Drainage water management • Before field operations Boards installed to hold water back when drainage not needed Boards removed for full drainage capacity

11. AgriDrain control structure Hancor control structure