Impact of Drainage Water Management on Crop Yield

Conventional plot tile lines were installed at a depth of 4 ft and a spacing of 60 ft. Shallow and controlled drainage plots represent drainage water management. Controlled tile lines were the same design as the conventional. Shallow plot tile lines were installed at a depth of 2.5 ft with a spacing of 40 ft. All plots were designed to have a maximum drainage coefficient of 0.75 in./day. The controlled drainage boards are typically removed in mid-April prior to planting to allow free flow to reduce the height of the water table for improved trafficability. The boards are replaced after planting.