Tile drainage

In agriculture, tile drainage is a type of drainage system that removes excess water from soil below its surface. Whereas irrigation is the practice of providing additional water to soil when it is naturally too dry, drainage reduces the moisture in soil and thereby increases the amount of air in its pores so as to augment conditions for optimal growth of crops. While surface water can be drained by pumping, open ditches, or both, tile drainage is often the most prudent practice for draining subsurface water. In agriculture, tile drainage is a type of drainage system that removes excess water from soil below its surface. Whereas irrigation is the practice of providing additional water to soil when it is naturally too dry, drainage reduces the moisture in soil and thereby increases the amount of air in its pores so as to augment conditions for optimal growth of crops. While surface water can be drained by pumping, open ditches, or both, tile drainage is often the most prudent practice for draining subsurface water. The phrase 'tile drainage' derives from its original composition from tiles of fired clay, i. e., ceramic, which were similar to terracotta pipes yet not always shaped as are pipes. In the 19th century a 'C' shaped channel tile commonly was placed like an arch atop a flat tile, denominated the 'mug' and 'sole', respectively. Today, tile drainage is any variation of this original system that functions in the same mode. Commonly HDPE and PVC tubing denominated 'tile line' is used, although precast concrete and ceramic tiles are still used. Excess subsurface water is counterproductive to agriculture because it fills the pores of the soil and evacuates the air they contain. Roots of plants require a quantum of air to live and grow, and therefore excess subsurface water inhibits their growth and, if deprives them of air for a sufficient duration, causes their rot and death. Such detriments to the roots of crops inhibits or kills growth of the crops above ground. Additionally, even if detriment to roots of crops is excluded, another crucial reason for drainage is that an excess of water can limit access to the land, especially by heavy machinery: vehicles and trailers sink in and rip up wet soil and may become stuck in it. Access to a field is crucial because most modern agriculture depends on use of heavy machinery to cultivate the seedbed; plant the crop; cultivate the soil after planting; apply fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, et cetera; and harvest. Most crops require specific soil moisture conditions, and do not grow well in wet, mucky soil. Even in soil that is not mucky the roots of most plants do not grow much deeper than the water table. Early in the growing season when water is in ample supply, plants are small and do not require as much water. During this time, the plants do not need to develop their roots to reach the water. As the plants grow and use more water water becomes more scarce. During this time, the water table begins to fall. Plants then need to develop roots to reach the water. During periods of dryness the water table can fall faster than the rate at which plants grow roots to reach it, which condition can gravely stress the plants. By installing tile drainage, the water table is effectively lowered and plants can properly develop their roots. The lack of water saturation of soil permits oxygen to remain in the pores of the soil for use by roots. Drain tile prevents the roots from being under the water table during wet periods, which can stress the plants. By removing excess water crops use the water that their roots have access to more effectively. An increase in crop yield can be summarized as forcing plants to develop more roots so that they can absorb more nutrients and water.