Controlled Drainage

Water control structures are placed on a contoured drainage system to “dam up” the water and raise the water table to an ideal level, depending on the growth stage of the crop. Stop-gates in the structures can be adjusted throughout the year so the water can be close to the root level (18” to 36”). During dry periods, water is retained in the soil profile. This reduces the overall drainage volume, thus reducing the overall amount of nutrients leaving the land.

Throughout the year, stoplogs can be adjusted according to crop stage and field operations:

Spring

Stoplogs removed to allow trafficability in the field. Allow 2-weeks of free drainage to reduce water table. After planting, they’re placed back in to raise water table near root level

Summer

As roots extend down, water table level can be lowered to promote deeper root growth. Stoplogs can also be left in place through late summer to retain soil moisture during dry periods.

Fall

Stoplogs removed to allow for trafficability during harvest and tillage.

Winter

In southern climates, stoplogs can be set in place after harvest to raise water table to limit unnecessary drainage and fall-applied fertilizer leaching. In far-north, colder climates, stoplogs can be removed to prevent a hard freeze in the structure.