Subsurface Drainage

Johan Van Der Merwe is a Civil Engineering
Technologist working for the Department of

Agriculture and Environmental Affairs who
specializes in drainage.
IMPORTANCE OF DRAINAGE IN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

1. Background
Integrated surface and sub-surface drainage systems has become a necessity for
sustainable irrigated agricultural production in the South Africa.
New drainage systems therefore have to be put in place to guarantee sustainable yielding
agricultural developments for now and the future. The question arises . . . how to design
and install those drainage systems.
The main objective of this presentation is to exchange my experiences concerning the
important role of drainage systems and discuss possible design options to maximize yield
while at the same time minimizing the negative impacts of drainage on the environment.
More technical nature issues, such as design norms and new installation technology will
have to be considered when implementing drainage systems.
Drainage is the removal of excess water from the land to prevent crop damage and salt
accumulation, allow earlier planting of crops, increase the root zone, aerate the soil and
to favour the growth of aerobic soil bacteria. Practically every valley where irrigation has
been carried out for a considerable length of time do have areas needing drainage to
sustain the crop production.
All plans that are developed for introducing water to land, either as a supplementary or
permanent irrigation, should provide planning for safe the removal of excess water from
the land.
2. In general, there are two types of drainage situations; surface and subsurface.
2.1. Surface drainage
Surface drainage is affected by the topography and vegetation. Excess irrigation water
must be removed to alleviate ponding and water logging of the lower parts of the field.
Rain water should also find its way into the drainage channel without causing erosion and
without inhibiting aeration.
Excess rainfall should be controlled and disposed of by contour banks leading to grassed
waterways. On flat land, where there is no erosion hazard, shallow surface drains may
also be used.
2.2. Subsurface drainage
Subsurface drainage requires a thorough study of the subsurface soil conditions. Test pits
and permeability tests allow one to evaluate a soil's internal drainage capability. The
augerhole method is commonly used to determine in-situ hydraulic permeability of the
soil.
The layout and design of a subsurface drainage system depends primarily on the flow
characteristics of the water, topographic features of the area, and the subsoil conditions.
It is always a good idea to intercept excess water before it reaches the point where
waterlogging occurs. For this reason, an interceptor drain should be placed to remove
water before it reaches the point of damage. In this case, the subsurface drain should be
placed as deep as possible to intercept the maximum amount of water flowing
downslope.
Controlled drainage systems are installed in either a systematic or random pattern within
an affected area. These laterals drain water to a main line which in turn discharges it to a
safe discharge structure (stream or canal). Lateral-drainage lines are placed
perpendicular to the direction of the groundwater movement and often in a gridiron or
herringbone pattern. The design of subsurface drainage requires expert engineering
talent. A full design lecture of drainage systems is beyond the scope of this presentation.
When soils become too saline for efficient crop production, crops must be removed or the
land abandoned.
Benefits of Improved Drainage
Drainage lowers water table, helps roots grow deeper, improves soil conditions and
structure (avoids compaction damage), reduces salts, reduces surface runoff, and lessens
flooding of low areas. Drainage also promotes timely field operations, reduces machinery
wear-and-tear, reduces use of herb/pesticides and all chemicals, and improves crop
quality (reduces crop stresses, increases yield, etc.). Nitrates, a major downstream
problem due to fertilizers, are also reduced with the help of proper drainage.
In summary, there are many benefits to drainage of agricultural land but also some
unwanted impacts.
Good drainage design should address both production and environmental goals.
Design and management of drainage systems should be tailored to each specific
region and site.
System Design Objectives
Maintain water table at proper level for healthy plant growth.
Keep soil voids free of excess water, which permits air flow and allows important
biological processes to take place in soil.
Minimize inefficient equipment operation caused by wet areas.
Improved Root Development
Benefits of Subsurface Drainage
Increase crop yields and field trafficability.
Greater soil water storage capacity.
Conserve topsoil by reducing runoff.
Raises soil temperature
Dry soil is warmer than wet soil. It takes 5 times as much heat to raise wet
soil 1 degree as it does an equal volume of dry soil.
Salinity control
Environmental Risks of Subsurface Drains
Increased export of nutrients (NO3 and P), pesticides (Atrazine) and pathogens.
Macro-pores (roots and earth worm holes) are natural direct conduits.
Drainage of wetlands is illegal !
Lateral Depth and Spacing
A relationship exists between depth and spacing of drains.
For soils of uniform permeability, the deeper the drains, the wider the spacing
(within limits).
Need to provide adequate root depth above the saturated zone.
Varies with soil permeability, crop and soil, kind of management practices crop,
extent of surface drainage.
Typical drain depth range = 1,2 to 2,3 meter
Typical spacing = 20 to 100 meter
Depth / spacing balance to minimize cost.
Minimum cover greater than 1,0 meter
Pipe Size and Grades

Desirable minimum working grade is 0.2 %
Typical minimum lateral size is 110mm.
Minimum grade sufficient to maintain 0,4m/s for sand and silt in flow.
Maximum Permissible Velocity
Soil Texture
Max. Velocity m/s
Sand & sandy loam
1,0
Silt & silt Loam
1,5
Silty clay loam
2,0
Clay & Clay loam
2,5
Course sand or gravel
3,0
System Maintenance
Iron Ochre
A filamentous bacterial slime composed of organic masses and iron oxides. It is
bacterial growth supported by soluble (ferrous) iron in the groundwater along with
organic matter.
There is no long-term economical control method.
Keep the tile drains submerged (this keeps the ochre from appearing).
On-going maintenance is the only option.

Water jet cleaning is the best option.
Drainage System Cost

Drainage system installation costs can vary significantly based on terrain, soils,
outlet availability, etc. Rough Range ~ R5,000 50,000 / Ha
Inspection & Routine Maintenance
The ideal time to inspect a subsurface drainage system is before and after a significant
rainfall event. Assess the efficiency of the drainage system at the following points:
Drain Outlet
Remove all trash or debris that has collected around the outlet.
Check for signs of erosion around the outlet pipe or in the receiving ditch and
check whether water is draining from underneath the outlet pipe.
Check for rodent activity around the outlets; if signs are present, arrange to have
the rodents removed.
Make sure the rodent grate on the outlet pipe is in place and working properly.
Clean outlet point if it is restricting drainage from the outlet.

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What are the two types of drainage situations discussed?

What are some benefits of improved drainage?

Johan Van Der Merwe is a Civil Engineering

Technologist working for the Department of

IMPORTANCE OF DRAINAGE IN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

Pipe Size and Grades

On-going maintenance is the only option.

Drainage System Cost

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