This problem may be solved by careful on-site management. The operator or manager should review weather patterns, and if possible allow time for the soil to partially drain before a rain occurs. This will help create some storage capacity in the soil for the expected rain. Another major problem may be creating and maintaining a level water table throughout the field. This is especially true in soils with low lateral hydraulic conductivity, such as clays.
Problems also exist in soils that lack an adequate restrictive layer below the drain depth.
Careful site evaluation is very important before proceeding with design and construction. There are a variety of water table management practices and strategies that can be used by agricultural producers and land managers to manage agricultural drainage waters in Ohio. Proper management of Ohio's agricultural drainage waters has important consequences for agricultural productivity and profitability, and for environmental quality. The purpose of this publication is to provide the reader who is knowledgeable about agricultural drainage with a better understanding of how drainage waters can be managed to help balance production and environmental goals. Over all the factors that are important to be evaluated before deciding to install a subirigation system, the two most important are the soil and the water supply.