Field Drainage

Tile (Subsurface) Drainage
Tile drainage is the process of installing subsurface drain tile to remove excess water from the soil. Results include:
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Earlier planting (and harvesting)
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Higher and more consistent yields
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Total field usage through elimination of wet spots previously not tillable
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Better plant stand and less plant stress
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Drought resistance attributed to a deeper root system
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Less runoff (and resulting erosion) on well-drained soils
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Less soil compaction and lower machinery operating costs
Using GPS technology, Orr Construction can quickly and efficiently:
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Survey the site in 3D, including ditches, muddy areas, and areas otherwise difficult to access
- Analyze the data in 3D, offering greater understanding of field shape & slopes, natural surface water flows, and watershed zones, all resulting in better design decisions
- Design your complete system in 3D, enabling us to determine optimal tile depths across the site, resulting in a consistent water table and a better overall design
- Install the complete drainage system while accurately and automatically controlling the depth per design specifications
- Map the installed drainage system for future maintenance or expansion
Tiling 101
Today's tile drainage uses corrugated slotted pipe installed in a pattern that best fits the topography of the farmland.
Tiling involves a network of laterals connected to one or more main tiles that drain to an outlet. While patterns vary, several basic patterns have evolved that represent common installation practices:
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Herringbone system. The laterals enter the main at an angle and from both sides. Commonly used to drain narrow depression areas.
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Parallel or Gridiron system. Similar to the Herringbone system but laterals enter the main from a single side. Used on flat, regularly shaped fields with largely uniform soils.
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commonly used on flat, regularly shaped fields with uniform soil types.
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Double-main system. A combination of the Herringbone and Gridiron systems in which a field is divided by a natural waterway, ditch, or other natural barrier.
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Random system. Commonly used on undulating or rolling topographies where isolated wet areas must be drained.