3 Methods to Fix Poor Soil Drainage
Proper soil drainage is an essential component of soil health. Standing water can lead to a wide variety of problems — including the possibility of drowning your plants! Addressing soil drainage issues will provide a healthier growth ecosystem and ensure a higher yield for your crops. Here’s how you can fix ongoing soil drainage problems.
1. Address Grading Issues
Water will naturally accumulate in the lowest area of any field. If standing water consistently accumulates in select parts of your fields, you will likely need to regrade the soil to fill these depressions. Properly graded soil should direct runoff away from your fields.
2. Use Organic Matter to Improve Soil Structure
Organic nutrients like manure and compost can help improve soil structure. The addition of organic matter increases soil aggregation, which in turn provides greater stability by creating more pores and pore space in the soil. Applying a two to three-inch deep layer of organic matter can protect the underlying soil while also providing additional nutrients for your crops. Minimal tillage will help preserve these nutrients.
3. Redirect Water
Periods of heavy rainfall can oversaturate the soil. Shallow drainage systems offer a solution for quickly diverting excess water away from your fields, preventing the loss of organic matter and microorganisms to runoff. Properly balanced water levels will help crops maintain a thick root structure, resulting in better growth.
If you need help addressing poor drainage on your property, Richland Micro Drainage’s solutions may be able to help. The micro-drainage concept uses shallow drainage and closer spacing so you can minimize tillage and improve soil infiltration and holding capacity. To learn more about the benefits of micro drainage,
contact us today.