Read more on this story at Pembina Valley Online

 

Dig Day ’24 – Challenges becoming Opportunities, and Tile Drainage Optimizing Clay Soils

At Precision Land Solutions (PLS), we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture, proving that heavy clay soils can be tile-drained to boost your farm’s productivity and profitability. Our commitment is to bring the latest research and data to every project, and Dig Day ’24 was an expression of that. We tailor each tile drainage system to the unique needs of the farm. Our approach is backed by extensive data, ensuring the spacing and depth of every installation is optimized for maximum return on investment. We’re not just throwing down tile—we’re making science-driven decisions to help farmers achieve the best results possible. 

 

 

For too long, the belief has been that clay soils are too impermeable for effective drainage — but that’s simply not the case. We’ve shown that with the right techniques, design, and strategy, tile drainage not only works in clay, it transforms challenging soils into high-performing assets.

Recently, at our Dig Day event, we invited farmers, researchers, and industry experts to witness firsthand how tile drainage works in Manitoba’s heavy clay soils. We installed tile drainage in a parcel of clay free of charge, to demonstrate, over time, that it can efficiently manage water levels, reduce waterlogging, enhance yields, and increase profitability. 

 

 

The benefits extend far beyond just short-term yield increases. Over time, tile drainage improves the overall health of clay soils. Healthier soil means stronger crops, better root development, and more resilience against both droughts and floods. It’s about sustainable farming practices that ensure long-term success. 

Plus, with improved water management, you’re not only boosting productivity—you’re also making your farm more environmentally friendly. Reducing excess moisture helps limit greenhouse gas emissions by preventing denitrification, a process that happens when soils are oversaturated.

 

 

This isn’t a new concept. Globally, tile drainage is being used effectively in clay soils. We’re bringing that success to Manitoba. PLS is here to help local farmers unlock the potential of their land. 

Our CEO, Frank Elias, explains it best: “Clay soils aren’t a problem—they’re an opportunity. With the right design, you can turn challenging fields into highly productive land.”

The key takeaway? If you’ve got heavy clay soils, don’t let them hold you back. With Dig Day ’24, we hoped to demonstrate that we can help you turn those challenging acres into some of your most profitable ones. With millions of acres of clay soils across Manitoba, the potential is enormous.

Now’s the time to rethink how you manage water on your farm. Let Precision Land Solutions guide you toward a smarter, more sustainable future. Contact us today to learn more about how tile drainage can be the game-changer your farm needs. Together, we’ll unlock your land’s full potential.

 

In the meantime, follow along on social media to stay up to date – including updates for Dig Day ’25 – and check out the research page on our website for more information.