Definition:
Land drainage refers to the systematic removal of excess water from soil to improve agricultural productivity and prevent waterlogging.
IMPORTANCE OF DRAINAGE
- a) Improve Soil Aeration: Enhanced aeration allows for better root respiration and promotes healthy plant growth.
- b) Raises Soil Temperature: Well-drained soils tend to warm up faster in spring, leading to earlier planting and longer growing seasons.
- c) Increases Microbial Activities: Proper drainage creates optimal conditions for soil microbes, which are essential for nutrient cycling and soil health.
- d) Reduces Soil Erosion: By preventing waterlogging, drainage minimizes the risk of soil erosion due to surface runoff.
- e) Reduces Salt Build-Up: Effective drainage helps leach excess salts from the root zone, reducing salinity and improving soil fertility.
- f) Facilitates Land Reclamation: Drainage can transform wetlands and marginal lands into productive agricultural areas.
- g) Prevents Flooding: Proper drainage systems help manage excess water, reducing the risk of flooding in agricultural fields and surrounding areas.
METHODS OF DRAINAGE
- Surface Drainage
- Description: Involves the removal of excess water from natural rainfall and irrigation through surface techniques.
- Examples:
- Open Ditches: Trenches dug alongside roads or fields to channel excess water away.
- Cambered Fields: Constructing raised soil heaps between crop fields to promote water runoff.
- Pumping: Utilizing pumps to remove water; this method can be costly and is typically used when other drainage methods are insufficient.
- Subsurface Drainage
- Description: Involves installing pipes or tunnels below the soil surface to conduct excess water away from the root zone.
- Process: Water seeps through the soil into the pipes, where it is transported away from the area.
- Cost: Generally expensive due to the installation and maintenance of underground systems.
- Biodrainage
- Description: Utilizes biological agents, such as plants, to remove excess water naturally.
- Examples:
- Deep-Rooted Trees: These trees absorb significant amounts of water, helping to lower the water table.
- Boundary Planting: Planting vegetation along field boundaries to enhance water absorption and prevent waterlogging.