Drainage

Drainage districts are small but important forms of government.  Throughout  their formation and operation, the development of drainage districts has been very beneficial from both an agricultural and economical standpoint. The primary goal should be to maintain the quality of drainage while establishing a harmonious relationship with varied land uses and the environment.

Most Illinois drainage districts were formed 100 years ago to drain and expose rich, fertile soil in flat, pre-settlement wetlands for farming. This was usually accomplished by constructing small tributary or feeder ditches to natural streams and rivers. Maintaining these improvements, implemented by our forefathers, is essential to continue farming prime agricultural lands. Increased water flows, resulting from the urbanization process, have heightened the need for the quality performance of drainage districts.

Over a period of years, due to a minimal amount of natural fall in these areas, slow-moving water deposits silt in the channel.  When drainage channel capacity declines, the drainage tile, waterways and other inlets perform less effectively.

Benefits of Drainage Include:

• Better Soil Aeration - roots receive enough oxygen
• More Timely Field Operations - increases number of days available for planting/harvesting
• Less Flooding
• Higher Soil Temperatures - assists in seed germination, increases plant growth
• Less Surface Runoff - soil can absorb and store rainfall more effectively which results in less soil erosion
• Improved Soil Structure - soil will not remain saturated
• Better Root Development - roots will go deeper
• Higher Yields and Improved Crop Quality

InterTrade Services Corp.  - Haskell Co.

Rt. 51 North -  P.O. Box 117  - Forsyth, IL  62535

(217) 875-3324 -  (800) 836-3393  - info@intertradeservicescorp.com