Longer growing seasons can be achieved with good drainage due to earlier possible planting dates. Planting delays normally result in 1 to 2 percent decrease in yield for each day of delay. Well-drained fields allow you to begin planting 7 to 15 days earlier, and allow you to complete fall tillage programs later in the year. An increased supply of nitrogen can be obtained from the soil where water tables are lowered by a drainage system. This can reduce your nitrogen fertilizer application.
Soils warm more quickly in the spring when free water is removed by a drainage system.
This reduces the likelihood of planting delays or seeds rotting before germination. Certain toxic substances and disease organisms are removed from the soil due to better drainage and better aeration. Soil erosion can be reduced on a well-drained soil by increasing its capacity to hold rainfall, resulting in less runoff. Deeper root development enables plans to better withstand summer droughts. Roots usually penetrate to within 15 inches of the water table.