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Micro Drainage Benefits for Conventional Farming
- Are you concerned with water drainage issues in your fields?
- Are you losing valuable crops due to over-saturation?
- Are you sometimes unable to use your machinery because the ground is too wet?
- Are you interested in increasing the health of your soil?
- Are you interested in increasing your crop yields without destroying your soil in the process
Who We Are...
Drawing from years of study, we combine drainage solutions with soil biology concepts in order to achieve the best crop yield possible. Our micro drainage concepts paired with proven soil health strategies equals a winning formula for increased performance.
How We Accomplish This
Surface Drainage
Surface drainage is the removal of surface water by utilizing slope as well as a series of shallow ditches to route the water away. Using RTK topography data is used to determine where water is currently flowing and where the depression pockets are. Specialized 3D software can determine how to grade the land in order to achieve the optimal positive grade of the field. Then water can travel down the grade and into ditches to be carried away from the field.
Sub-Surface Drainage
Sub-Surface drainage is the removal of water from the root zone, as opposed to on the surface. It can be accomplished by either deep open drains or pipe drains. Deep open drains use land that could otherwise be used for crops and they restrict the use of machines. They also require bridges and culverts for road crossings and access to the fields. Pipe drains are pipes installed beneath the ground surface to collect and convey excess water. The Micro Drainage System uses pipe drains and is successful because of 3 main things:
1. Narrow pipe – Narrow 2” diameter pipe is less likely to become clogged by silt because of more velocity, is less expensive to purchase, and is easier to install.
2. Shallow depth – The pipe is installed at a shallow depth, typically about 24” down. This greatly reduces the disturbance of the nutrients in the soil. It also allows for quicker drainage in a shorter time frame as the water intercepts the tile at much higher rates.
3. Closer lateral spacing – By keeping the rows spaced 15-20’ across, this increases drainage capability. This means that crops located in the middle of the drainage rows are less likely to be lost due to long periods of over-saturation, which is a problem which occurs with wider spacing distances.
IS THIS FINANCIALLY BENEFICIAL?
Greater crop production does not have to deplete your soil or drain your bank account. In fact, according to 25 years of field studies at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, for every $1 spent on drainage technology, producers get $3 to $4 back in corn and soybean profits. Healthier soil and better drainage lead to increased performance. The cost of doing nothing to remedy drainage and soil issues could far outweigh the cost of installation.
How Do I Learn More?
Please browse through the resources on our website and feel free to contact us for more information. You can call us at (419) 908-5696 or send us a message through the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!