Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

Advantages of Drainage
1. The bed will not get waterlogged and plants can obtain essential amount of water as
well as air
2. After heavy rains with effective drainage the soil comes in tilth faster to carryout
agriculture operations in time.
3. The structure of soil improves. There is good aeration and warmth in the root zone
which are essential for good root growth.
4. Soil micro flora that change organic matter into plant food and provides aeration and
warmth in the soil.
5. Desirable chemical reactions take place and nutrients become available to the plants.
6. There is proper root development and accelerated nutrients absorption.
7. Seeds germinate faster and better stand of crop is obtained.
8. Due to healthy growth of plants they can resist the attack of pests and diseases better.
9. Healthy plants compete with weeds better.
10. Good drainage permits the removal of many toxic salts and thus, reduces damage to
crops.
Type of Drainage
Drainage is of two types
a) Surface drainage and
b) Sub surface drainage or underground drainage.
(a) Surface Drainage
Surface drainage consist of open ditches that are laid out by eye judgment, leading
from one wet spot to another and finally into an open area. This is often called natural
system of drainage.
Open ditches: The pattern of ditches is regular. The method is adopted to land that
has uniform slope.
Field ditches: Field ditches for surface drainage may be either narrow with nearly
vertical sides or V shaped with flat side slopes. V shaped ditches have the advantages of
being easier to cross with large machinery.
Narrow ditches: Narrow ditches are most common where large farm machinery is
not used.
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