By Andi Anderson
Heavy spring rains often leave Illinois farm fields with standing water, reducing yields and profits. Poor or undersized drainage tiles fail to move water quickly, allowing ponds to form and compact the soil.
Compaction lowers oxygen levels, weakens root growth, and limits water holding capacity. Seeds planted in wet soil can suffocate, leading to poor germination and weaker plants.
Improving tile drainage is the most effective way to reduce ponding and protect crop health. Cover crops and reduced tillage also help by boosting soil structure and water infiltration, but they cannot fully replace proper drainage systems.
Upgrading or replacing old tiles ensures excess water moves off fields efficiently, preventing long-term soil damage.
Many Illinois farms are rented, and landowners often hesitate to invest in drainage improvements. However, poorly drained land earns lower rent because of reduced yields.
Studies show corn benefits most from good drainage, with potential yield gains of 25 bushels per acre. At a grain price of four dollars per bushel, that equals one hundred dollars of added profit each year.
Soybeans can also gain about ten bushels per acre, adding another one hundred dollars annually.
Costs for new pattern tile systems range from eight hundred to fifteen hundred dollars per acre depending on the outlet. Yet the investment can pay off in eight years or less. Drainage tile is a long-lasting improvement, often performing for decades without increasing property taxes. It is also a depreciable asset for tax purposes.
Farmers and landowners should review yield maps, identify low-yielding wet areas, and calculate potential gains. Open discussions and careful planning make drainage projects more affordable and profitable.
By upgrading drainage tiles and improving soil health, farms can achieve stronger harvests, reduce financial risk, and secure long-term profitability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Illinois, Sustainable Agriculture