Drainage Water Management Beth E Clarizia P E

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

Drainage in the Midwest

Where the Nitrogen is…

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

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

Where do they work? n n n 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)

The Influence of Slope Raised Water Table Di tch Tile Riser Boards (Adjustable) 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.

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

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

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

Agri. Drain control structure Hancor control structure