Agricultural Engineering
Extension Circular 458	•	1959
Follow These Suggestions
For Good Tile Drainage
By Donald R. Sisson, Extension Agricultural Engineer,
R. H. Austin, State Engineer, and others from U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service
Purdue University Agricultural Extension Service, Lafayette, Indian
1
TILE DRAINAGE is needed  for the uniform disposal of excess soil moisture. Many thousands of acres of wet Indiana farm land is in need of improved tile drainage. Good drainage of naturally wet land is absolutely essential before investments in farm machinery for this land, fertilizers and other crop management practices will pay off. Remember though, not all wet land makes good cropland even after drainage.
Be sure that tile drainage is the method that will give the best and most economical drainage. Some wet sandy soils should be drained with open ditches. A third method, surface drainage, is best for some tight or silty soils. Tight soils require such close tile spacing that costs might exceed benefits. Some silty soils plug the tile rapidly. Even on soils that can be tiled, surface drainage should be used to remove water that stands in depressions.
Make Complete Plans Before Starting to Lay Tile.
Be sure to have an accurate survey made of the area to be tiled. This is needed to plan the most efficient and economical layout of mains and laterals. It
will assure you that all low areas will drain and that you will have adequate cover over laterals. Plan your tile system for all the wet area in the watershed even if you intend to tile only a part of the area at this time. Sometimes, neighborhood cooperation will be required.
Be sure the tile is installed according to the survey and plan. You can be sure of this by engaging a competent contractor with good equipment.
A planned and properly Installed drainage system is necessary to prevent uneven stands of crops and drowning such as this.