Three Farm Drainage Myths Taking Your Profits
Adequate farm drainage is a vital part of any farm operation. It is designed to remove excess water from the soil and improve farm management. There are myths out there about what agricultural drainage can and can’t do. What use is drainage in a drought year with minimal rainfall? In what ways does installing a drainage system impact the health of the soil? Can a farmer install drainage as a practice that benefits the sustainability of the land? Don’t believe everything you hear about agricultural drainage! Let’s DIG into three myths about farm drainage that are costing you money. Keep reading to see us debunk a bonus fourth myth and discuss how Farm Xport disproves all of these misconceptions about DIY farm drainage. If you are considering drainage for your farm, your first step is to visit https://farmxport.com/soilmax and talk to the pros at Farm Xport now about the best solution for you.
MYTH #1: Agricultural drainage removes critical water supply from plants during a drought.
It’s a common misconception that agricultural drainage removes water plants could otherwise use during a drought. However, this is not the case.
THE FACTS: Did you know that agricultural drainage helps crops during a drought? It’s true! Drainage helps remove excess water from the root zone, which can help plants during a drought by increasing the efficiency of their water uptake. In a dry year, deeper penetrating and healthier root systems can obtain more nutrients for a longer time than shallow roots from inadequate spring drainage. Farm drainage helps to improve plants' water availability during drought by increasing the infiltration and storage of water in the soil.
While it may seem counterproductive to drain subsoil water away from plants in a drought year, farm drainage removes only excess water. It does not reduce the amount of overall plant-available water. Well-drained soil encourages deep and healthy root systems. Drainage tile drains the earth only to the depth of the tile (about 3-4 feet). The drainage does not affect water stored below that depth, which allows the plants to grow deeper and more robust root systems. Farmers see agricultural drainage pay off during drought since it facilitates earlier planting, which motivates a more mature and deeper root system that weathers a drought more successfully. In warmer climates, this can alter the entire farming schedule. Instead of having plants deprived of a natural water source during prime growing months, crops will mature before the dry spell hits.
MYTH #2: Installing drainage on your farm is bad for your soil health.
This myth is simply not true.
THE FACTS: Installing a drainage system on your farm can improve the health of your soil. Properly installed and maintained drainage reduces compaction and increases infiltration, which helps to improve aeration and waterlogging. Fields utilising proper water management can hold extra rainfall and minimise runoff, which results in less surface erosion. Soil is designed only to have so much water. One would install drainage to alleviate the pressure this imposes on the earth's health.
MYTH #3: Conservation experts don’t consider installing agricultural drainage to be a helpful or sustainable practice.
This myth is perhaps the most persistent misconception about agricultural drainage.
THE FACTS: Proper drainage systems can benefit the environment. They can reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. Good drainage is essential for water conservation because it reduces runoff and increases infiltration. You must be careful about how much water you use on your farm. Agricultural drainage can be helpful and promote sustainability if done correctly.
BONUS MYTH: “I don’t need to self-install drainage on my farm.”
FALSE! Here’s why: If you want to ensure that your farm can withstand heavy rains, floods, and even drought, then you need to have a sound drainage system in place. DIY farm drainage is a great way to improve your land's quality without spending much money. There are a few benefits of DIY farm drainage that you should know about:
It’s cost-effective. One of the most significant benefits of DIY farm drainage is that it is much more cost-effective than hiring someone to do it for you. Farm Xport can help you self-install your farm drainage system quickly and efficiently. We give you the ability to do it yourself, so you save money.
You can customise your drainage system. When you hire someone to install drainage on your farm, they typically do a generic installation that might not be ideal for your specific situation. However, when you choose Farm Xport and DIY your farm drainage, you can customise it to perfectly fit your needs.
You can do it yourself. When you work with Farm Xport to DIY your farm drainage, we provide everything you need to easily and effectively self-install your drainage. Self-installing saves your money and hassle in the long run. If you want it done correctly, do it yourself.
As a farmer, you know there are always many things about which you worry. But one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is whether or not agricultural drainage will help your crops. There are myths about what agricultural drainage can and can’t do, but the bottom line is that it can be a huge help. Don’t believe everything you hear. If you’re thinking about investing in farm drainage, your first step is to talk to the experts at Farm Xport. It could be the best decision you ever make for your farm.
We hope that this article has helped to clear up some of the myths surrounding agricultural drainage. While there are some things that drainage can’t do, there are many ways that it can benefit your farm and your bottom line. Are you ready to begin maximising your profits? Visit https://farmxport.com/contact now to connect with the pros at Farm Xport and start your DIY farm drainage project today!