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In drainage research the collection and analysis of field data is important. [ 5 ] In dealing with field data one must expect considerable random variation owing to the large number of natural processes involved and the large variability of plant and soil properties and hydrological conditions.
Practically, wheat does not require irrigation because it develops deeper roots while during the maturing period a dry soil is favorable. The analysis of cumulative frequency [6] of climatic data plays an important role in the determination of the irrigation and drainage needs in the long run.
The subsurface field drainage systems consist of horizontal or slightly sloping channels made in the soil; they can be open ditches, trenches, filled with brushwood and a soil cap, filled with stones and a soil cap, buried pipe drains, tile drains, or mole drains, but they can also consist of a series of wells.
Improving soil drainage is a balancing act requiring consideration of soil composition and compaction, and may take a number of approaches to improve.
Soil temperature is important for the survival and early growth of seedlings. [92] Soil temperatures affect the anatomical and morphological character of root systems. [93] All physical, chemical, and biological processes in soil and roots are affected in particular because of the increased viscosities of water and protoplasm at low ...
In addition, land drainage can help with soil salinity control. The soil's hydraulic conductivity plays an important role in drainage design. The development of agricultural drainage criteria [3] is required to give the designer and manager of the drainage system a target to achieve in terms of maintenance of an optimum depth of the water table.
One exception to this rule is when the clay is present in dry conditions. In this case, the soil can develop large cracks which lead to higher infiltration capacity. [3] Soil compaction also impacts infiltration capacity. Compaction of soils results in decreased porosity within the soils, which decreases infiltration capacity. [4]
Agricultural soil science studies the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to agriculture. Agricultural soil scientists develop methods that will improve the use of soil and increase the production of food and fiber crops. Emphasis continues to grow on the importance of soil sustainability.