WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Attendees at an upcoming field day at Purdue University will learn about drainage tile and how it can benefit crop yields and the soil, according to an organizer.

The field day is July 21-22 at Purdue’s Agronomy Center for Research and Education (ACRE). The free event is 8 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. The field day is hosted by Purdue and the Indiana Land Improvement Contractors Association (INLICA).

Organizers hope attendees leave the field day with “a better understanding of what drainage tile is and how tile is installed,” explained Nanci Gutwein, INLICA executive director. “How this process benefits the soil and crop yields, and also the timeliness of being able to plant – better drainage allows for earlier planting seasons, as a wet spring often delays being able to get equipment into the field.”

Attendees will also learn about the contractors association, such as the type of education and knowledge it can provide its members, she said.

“For us, this project is two fold,” Gutwein noted. “First off, installing drainage tile removes excess water from the soil, improving conditions for the crops. The installation of tile effectively lowers the water table. In a time of higher-than-average rainfall, the pipe allows for excess moisture to flow freely off of the field and into ditches, holding ponds, etc. It also gives the ground a naturally greater moisture-holding capacity and prevents erosion from rainwater runoff. In times of drought, the roots are able to grow deeper in search of moisture.”

During a field day last year, the mains were strategically mapped out and installed in areas that maximize natural topography, she said. This year, laterals will be installed to complete the project. The laterals are used to tie the system together.

“The other main goal for this project is education,” Gutwein said. “INLICA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving our land for generations to come. We offer many free educational sessions to our contractors throughout the year, and in this instance, to the general public as well. Purdue also uses these projects for education, including data comparisons from previous years’ yields.”

A trench rescue demonstration is planned for the morning of the 21st. Alternative times are that afternoon or the next day. She said the schedule is dependent on the weather and the availability of the Lafayette Fire Department.

The field day will include information on a drainage water recycling program specific to the ACRE Farm. About 300 acres of tile drains into a wetland area at the farm, Gutwein said. The farm has a water control structure at the outlet and it’s used to hold back water for subsurface drip irrigation on the adjacent field, she added.

A drainage conservation trailer that demonstrates saturated buffer and controlled drainage will be at the field day. Attendees may also watch a phosphorus filter demonstration.

Organizers hope for about 200 or more attendees, Gutwein said. Registration isn’t necessary. Food trucks will be available both days.

For more information, contact Gutwein at indianalica@gmail.com. Rain dates for the field day are July 23-24.