The Impact of Poor Drainage on Soil Health
Few factors have a greater impact on soil health than drainage. Without proper drainage, a wide host of issues can occur that will ultimately reduce crop yields, making it harder to manage your farmland.
The Problems Caused By Excess Water
Poor drainage typically results in excess water in your fields. A waterlogged root zone can cause the loss of oxygen and nitrogen, harming crop growth and potentially even increasing the release of greenhouse gases. Excess water will also make plants vulnerable to root rot and other diseases that can compromise crop yield. With too much water, even tasks such as planting and harvesting can become more difficult, as it is harder to use equipment in soggy soil.
Identifying Drainage Problems
Poor drainage can typically be identified by the presence of ponding water in your fields, even after light rains. In addition, poor drainage will often cause the soil to take on a gray or mottled appearance due to excess saturation. Aquatic plants may also appear. When such issues are present, farmers must take steps to improve the soil structure and use engineered controls to drain excess water.
If your agricultural property needs improved drainage,
contact Richland Micro Drainage today. With a wide range of surface and subsurface drainage products, as well as GPS grade control, our customized solutions will directly address your property’s drainage needs.









