Springfield Weekly Republican

DRAINAGE SYSTEMS NEEDED
Advantage of Tiles Over Other Methods

The importance of having land drained has been brought to the notice of a great many people this year due to the wet season that we have just experienced. In many fields the loss of money from cultivated crops which have been spoiled would amount to more than it would cost to tile the entire field. No one knows what will be the amount of moisture each season; whether the season is wet or dry those fields which are drained are usually more productive than those undrained.

Tile drainage not only removes the surplus water from the soil, but also increases the amount of moisture available for plants. The removal of water from the soil in this way tends to diminish the injuries due to surface erosion by keeping the soil in a sponge-like condition ready to receive and retain a liberal rainfall. Tile drainage reduces surface evaporation and prevents a consequent lowering the temperature of the soil, thereby having the effect of making it warmer, which in turn promotes plant growth, and lessens the danger of damage by frost, both in the spring and fall. Tile drainage increases the aeration of the soil, and consequently the bacterial action which increases the available supply of plant foods.

The cost of doing this work will vary according to the condition of the soil, the amount of moisture that it is necessary to drain and the cost of hauling. As soon as the fall work is over and the rush season is past a few days spent in tiling the land that needs it will be a wise expenditure of both time and money. On many farms where there is plenty of sand it would be an easy matter and cost less to make sand tiles than to buy hard vitrified tiles from the West. Experience has shown that home-made tiles have been very satisfactory when properly constructed.