Long overlooked, soil biology has a significant impact on crop growth and long-term productivity. Tiled land allows field drainage to promote healthy soil through granulation and root interaction with water and air. The converted porous soil retains the necessary moisture for optimal growth. More oxygen in the soil will increase microbial activity. This is vital for plant growth to help make nitrogen and sulfur more accessible.
Tile drainage creates dryer soil that is optimal for nitrogen utilization. Since nitrogen is one of the most expensive inputs, a reduced amount allows you to save money and produce better crops. Tile drainage can also decrease the denitrification that occurs in waterlogged land, by keeping the water table shallow.
Tile drainage produces not only an increase in yield but a reliable and consistent growth in revenue. Studies have shown that un-drained soil had a 46% fluctuation in crop, compared to tiled soil that only varied by 18%. A steady yield allows for a steady cash flow. Tile drainage also provides the ability to reduce the severity of flood and drought occurrences. During flood years, tiled land is improved by the capacity of the soil, retaining water, and minimizing crop stress. This also allows the soil structure to develop the plant’s roots to infiltrate deeper, depleting the water table in drought years.
A tiled field will ultimately drop moisture sooner, allowing you the opportunity to seed or harvest earlier. Tiled land allows farmers to be in the fields when it counts. Longer days during the season help spread out the workload and use of equipment more efficiently.
Commonly referred to as “alkali”, salinity spots are a sign of poor internal drainage. Over time, tile drainage can fully diminish these spots. By lowering the water table and stopping the capillary action, which will bring the water to the soil surface.