Commercial farmers are always faced with questions about best investments for their hard earned dollars. It is easy to invest in steel and structures. New tractors, planters, combines and buildings are obvious and create a pride of ownership. My opinion may be biased as an agronomist, but what about that unseen investment in drainage?

Drainage: A combination of subsurface drainage and outlet improvements can regularly boost yields by 25 to 35 bushels per acre of shelled corn. This is based on data collected in research trials in the 1970s. Thus, drainage could pay for itself in one year.

Soil drainage improvements can change a soil type by one classification unit. In other words, a "somewhat poorly" drained soil type can be moved up to a "moderately well" drained soil type. The improvement in timeliness of field operations means greater efficiency for you. The reduction in time that root zones are saturated and anaerobic, means improved root/plant growth. If improvements in productivity are your goal, improved drainage can be the best return investment.

The time to evaluate where additional drainage is needed is anytime rainfall exceeds infiltration. Put on your boots and walk the fields after a rain. Note where the water is flowing, where it is accumulating and where it reaches outlets. Experience is also a great teacher. You know where equipment has been "stuck." Make a hand-drawn map/sketch, then contact your local SWCD or land improvement contractor to design and lay out a drainage plan.

Drainage also improves land values. An old rule of thumb is that half the cost of drainage improvements becomes reflected in land values. Improved drainage increases management alternatives on the soil. In today's agricultural economy, it is worth more than ever.