In arid regions, the advantage is mainly to minimize the buildup of excess salinity in the crop root zone. A disadvantage of subsurface drainage is that its often more costly to implement per unit area compared to surface drainage, especially for fine textured soils.
Decreased energy costs – Operating pressures are often less than some types of sprinkler irrigation. Any water savings attributable to SDI will also reduce energy costs. System integrity issues – There are fewer mechanized parts in an SDI system as compared to mechanical-move sprinkler irrigation systems.
Leaves, debris, or dirt build-up can obstruct water flow, causing it to back up and pool around the property. Concrete driveways, patios, and other hard landscaping features often don't allow water to seep into the ground, leading to increased surface runoff that overwhelms drainage systems.
Subsurface drainage describes the process of removal of that water which has infiltrated into the soil in excess of the amount that can be held by capillary forces against the force of gravity.
The maximum amount of water that can be removed by a subsurface drainage system is the drainable porosity times the depth of the soil layer being drained. Typically, the drainable porosity is a few percent of the soil profile volume.
That said, surface drains are essential and a useful tool to manage wet soils when used in the right location for the right reasons. Typical applications for using surface drains include: draining large quantities of surface water off land quickly. intercepting water flowing down from upper slopes to lower lying land.
Some other effects from stormwater runoff include:
Instead it runs off hard surfaces and, in a heavy rain, can lead to flooding, erosion and property damage. Water pollution. Water becomes polluted as it runs across lawns, driveways and other hard surfaces, when it collects oil, gas, fertilizers, pet waste and more.
Subsurface drainage provides many long-term sustainability intangible benefits, such as: improvement in soil health due to the increased aeration of the soil. increased responses to fertiliser use. reduced mineral imbalances in the soil and sometimes in the plants as well.
Subsurface systems are best for lawns and large areas of crops. They come with higher costs due to digging, so expect to pay about $2 to $5 per square foot for in-ground drip irrigation.
Drip tape is usually buried between 6 and 10 inches deep, though with some root crops, the tape can be buried a little deeper.
Poor drainage caused by the shape of the landscape or inadequate drainage systems can damage buildings and move soil from where it's needed to where it causes trouble. The effects of poor drainage systems extend beyond single properties and can have an impact on roads, waterways, and health.
Underground pipe damage can cause contamination, leakages, and property damage. This usually happens due to high water pressure, corrosion, blocked drains, poor installation, and ground movements.
Typically, water can pond over grass for 72 hours before impacting the health of the grass.
In the ground water takes the path of least resistance, and in heavy clay-type soil, stone is much easier to flow through. Water is attracted to the trenches and seeps through into the land drainage system. Any land drainage system should use gravel trenches.
A disadvantage of surface drainage is that it has a minimal affect on reducing the saturated subsoil occuring as a result of high water table conditions, especially where the source of the water is emerging from lower horizons.
Surface drainage systems require near-annual maintenance to ensure they function properly. A slight change in the ground surface can adversely affect their performance. Conversely, subsurface drainage systems require little maintenance and require only periodic inspection.
It collects excess rainwater
You might be employing water collection tanks, but these can fill up during a downpour. With an underground drainage system, excess water can be removed from the property quickly which reduces the risk of flooding and water contamination.
Subsurface Drainage System
Sometimes referred to as a French drain, they work at the root level to remove excess water. Dig ditches to install the pipes of subsurface drains.
Additional Benefits of Subsurface Drainage Systems
They protect plants by removing excess water in the root zone. Plants may respond better to plant fertilizers. Reduced mineral imbalance and salt in the soil. Improved soil health through aeration.
Perforated land drain is typically used to drain fields to improve soil quality and can also be used in sports fields and to drain domestic gardens.