2023’s swings in precipitation highlight the difficulties of in-field water management more difficult. Drainage water management systems are a key tool to adjust the water table elevation in fields. If there has been one major headline this growing season, it’s been the massive swings in precipitation. Much of the key growing area of the Lower Peninsula started out very dry – headed into July, 50 percent of the state was in D1 or greater drought. Then over the ensuing weeks, the precipitation turned on – with major rainfall and storm events tracking across croplands statewide and turning the drought on its head. Many areas ended the season with localized standing water or, at least, very wet soil conditions. All of this spotlights the value of drain systems and their key role in Michigan agriculture. This year, and in several recent years, periods of substantial drought are broken up by major rainfall events, delivering several inches of rain in a short period of time. This complicates management of water in fields, and can exacerbate dissolved P and N losses through tile drains. Drainage water management systems allow for the adjustment of the water table elevation in fields, allowing for a naturally high-water table during non-cropping times of the year. This allows for greater water infiltration to groundwater while keeping unnecessary water out of drainage systems. During the growing season, the water table can be lowered to the typical functional level of the drain tile system, providing all the same benefits of tile drainage that growers expect. DWM systems also allow for raising the water table during drought events, retaining moisture in the soil profile for crop use. Unlike some other nutrient loss reduction practices, DWM systems don’t take farmland out of production or require changing in-field agronomic management. Cost-share assistance programs are available in many parts of the state. Growers are encouraged to contact their local conservation district offices to learn more about improving their tile drainage systems with drainage water management technology. As a conservation practice, DWM retains flexibility of in-field agronomic management and has assessable cost-share opportunities – a unique combination and something to be considered in planning for 2024 and beyond. This newsletter is brought to you by the Michigan Agri-Business Association and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. For more information, visit miagbiz.org.
