T&G Surface Drains has expanded their services to include drainage in the horticulture. In the Queensland area we have been installing subsurface drainage in crops like, bananas, sugarcane, grapes, pineapples, mangoes etc. and also in Marketgardens in Victoria.
When installing subsurface drainage in orchards or plantation we use a backhoe with a specially designed funnel on the front end loader bucket to deliver the gravel into the drainage machine's hopper. (see photos in the photo gallery)
Well drained soil increases plant nutrient uptake. This is because in waterlogged soils with associated low oxygen levels, plants produce less of the energy that is required to uptake nutrients from the soil. Plant roots become stunted or killed and can no longer supply the plant with the necessary water, nutrients and anchorage.
Installation of appropriate drainage systems reduces the length of time that the soil remains waterlogged resulting in the following benefits:
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Increased crop yields.
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Improved trafficability for operation of harvester and transport equipment.
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Subsurface drainage combats the problems of land degradation and salinity resulting from high watertables.
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Drainage also improves the timelines of many farming operations as waterlogging of the soil limits the time available for crop sowing and ground based weed and insect pest control.
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Subsurface drainage can also lessen the incidence of soil borne diseases such as fusarium and phytophtora root rots.
For additional, more detailed information on drainage in banana plantations please click on the DPI&F note of the Queensland Government.
Installing drainage in vineyard. Installing drainage in market gardens.
Installing drainage amongst bananas. Installing drainage in sugarcane.
Please click on photos to enlarge.
To see more photos please click here.