How to Install Drainage Tiles for Crops

Water, so essential to the life of crops, can also be their doom.

With the rise of prices in agricultural commodities, farmers are wise to maximize their profits with healthy and abundant crops. The threats to this output can vary, but too much moisture in the ground can be the most devastating. One tried-and-true method of dealing with such excess is the insertion of drainage tiling, actually perforated tubing. Some landowners employ contractors for the job; others address the task themselves. While the initial financial outlay for either can be costly, the returns in quality and profitability can more than make up for the expense.

Things You'll Need

• Drainage plow
• Tile trailer
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Drainage tile (or pipes)

Instructions

1. 

   Test the soil before investing in a drainage project.

   Evaluate your soil. The ideal composition of the acreage should be 50 percent soil, 25 percent air, and 25 percent water. One sign of excess water is an elevated pH level. If your ratios are about right, your work is done. Standard soil test kits can be purchased from county extension services, usually for under $20.

2. 

   Map out a plan for tiling to get the most for your time and effort.

   Map out a pattern upon which to lay the tile based on your soil test results. Some plots require parallel rows; others, a "herringbone" pattern with a central channel branching out into laterals; still others require tile disbursement in a more random layout. Depth of tiling is best ascertained by talking with neighbors and county agents who are experienced with local topography.

3. 

   Drainage tiles are spooled for transport.

   Purchase your drainage tile. As of 2010, the price per acre can average $450, but will be cheaper without using a contractor. The amount needed will depend on the pattern chosen and how far apart the tiles are spaced. The size of the tile is also conditioned on the grade, or slope, at which it will be laid. For example, if the chosen grade is .1 foot per hundred feet and 8 inch pipe is employed, then you can drain approximately 16 acres. Drainage tile is stored and sold in very large bundles or spools. Most often, farmers or contractors use tile trailers to disburse the pipe.

4. 

   More farmers opt to install their own tile with drainage plows.

   Feed the tile from the trailer to the boot of the drainage plow, which you have hitched to your tractor. Move the plow into place and lower it to ground level. The plow will break up the soil and lay the tile beneath. However, if the pipe is to be placed deep in the ground, the initial assault may require a backhoe.

5. 

   Tiling plows sometimes require a specific GPS.

   Enter the spatial pattern from Step 2 into your GPS. Remember that certain plows are only compatible with specific systems. Set the plow from manual to automatic.

6. 

   Tiling should be done at a very low speed.

   Begin tiling, deliberately and slowly. Manufacturers advise speeds between .8 and 1.2 miles per hour.

Tips & Warnings

• If time is as precious as money, think about approaching a contractor together with neighboring farms. A package deal might be discounted.

• Before undertaking a drainage project, check with conservation officers and public utility officials. Make sure you are neither draining any designated wetlands nor tearing up easements or cables.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency: Ag 101
• Farmland Forecast: Improving Farmland Values with Drainage Tile
• Farm Industry News: Tile It Yourself (or not)
• IndianaPrairieFarmer.com: How to Make Tile Plows Work Successfully
• AgWeekly.com: GPS and Lasers Both Have a Place in Drainage
• Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences: Agricultural Analytical Services Lab

Resources

• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers