Tile drainage is a best management practice. It reduces soil erosion and assists in the reduction of phosphorus in streams. The benefits of land drainage are many and depend on the condition and management of the farm after the work is done. Grazing periods are extended two to three weeks in the fall, thus saving on barn feeding. Well-drained soils carry more livestock per acre with less damage to the soil compared to poorly drained soil.
Tile drained soils create uniform field conditions for early field work.
Tile drained soils are essential for no-till agriculture on any soil type. The following tables may be of assistance in making a preliminary estimate of the quantity of drainage pipe required for a drainage project. The table gives the size of main drain required to drain an area, when the drain is laid at a specified grade and is flowing full. For example, an 8-inch drainage pipe, laid at a grade of 0.10 feet per 100 feet will drain 16 acres. Your LICO contractor will provide the information for a specific situation.