What Is Subsurface Drainage In Cumbria?

Welcome to Drainage Cumbria - the leading drainage company in Cumbria, North West England. At Drainage Cumbria, our mission is to provide you with the best drainage solutions to manage excess water, reduce waterlogging, and improve crop yields. One of the solutions we offer is subsurface drainage. In this article, we will take a deep dive into what subsurface drainage is, its benefits, and how it works.

Introduction to Drainage

Water is essential for plants to grow and thrive. However, too much water can be harmful to crops and the environment. In Cumbria, excess water is a common problem due to its geography, climate, and soil characteristics. The area is hilly, with steep slopes, and a high water table. Moreover, Cumbria has a high rainfall rate, which means that a lot of water flows into ditches, rivers, and surface water. The soil in Cumbria is mainly composed of clay, silt, and peat, which are highly water-retentive soils. As a result, excess water can cause waterlogging, soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and damage to crops.

To mitigate these problems, drainage systems are designed to remove excess water from fields, gardens, and other areas. There are several types of drainage systems, including surface drainage, subsurface drainage, and watershed management. Surface drainage involves the shaping of land, such as creating ditches, channels, and slopes, to direct water away from the area of interest. Watershed management involves the management of water at the watershed level, such as planting trees, creating wetlands, and controlling runoffs.

Subsurface Drainage

Subsurface drainage involves the removal of excess water from below the surface of the soil. It is also known as underground drainage or tile drainage. The subsurface drainage system consists of a network of perforated pipes that are laid at a certain depth underground. The pipes are laid in a spatially arranged pattern, with a certain slope and gradient, to allow water to flow from high areas to low areas. The pipes are usually made of PVC or corrugated plastic, which are durable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.

The subsurface drainage system works by creating a gradient that allows water to flow freely into the pipes. As the water flows into the perforated pipes, it is carried away from the area of interest and discharged into a river, stream, or another outlet. The perforations on the pipes allow water to enter the pipes while preventing soil and debris from clogging the pipes. In addition, the subsurface drainage system may be connected to a backfill system that allows excess water to be stored and reused during dry periods.

Benefits of Subsurface Drainage

Subsurface drainage has several benefits, including:

Improved Crop Growth

Subsurface drainage improves crop growth by reducing waterlogging, soil erosion, and nutrient leaching. When excess water is removed from the soil, it reduces soil compaction and increases soil aeration. This allows plant roots to grow more deeply and receive the necessary nutrients to thrive.

Water Conservation

Subsurface drainage conserves water by directing excess water away from the area of interest and storing it for later use. This reduces the need for irrigation and helps to conserve water during dry periods.

Reduced Nitrogen Loss

Subsurface drainage reduces nitrogen loss by preventing leaching of nitrogen into groundwater or runoff water. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and its loss can result in reduced crop yield and environmental damage.

Improved Soil Conditions

Subsurface drainage improves soil conditions by reducing compaction, improving aeration, and reducing soil erosion. This creates an ideal environment for plants to grow and thrive.

Reduced Waterlogging

Subsurface drainage reduces waterlogging by removing excess water from the soil. This helps to prevent soil saturation, which can lead to plant death, soil erosion, and nutrient leaching.

Designing and Installing Subsurface Drainage

The design and installation of subsurface drainage systems require careful consideration of several factors, including soil type, water table, rainfall rate, slope, and the area of interest. At Drainage Cumbria, we have a team of experts who can design and install a subsurface drainage system that meets your specific needs.

Soil Type

The soil type and characteristics of an area play a crucial role in the design of a subsurface drainage system. The soil type determines the size, depth, and spacing of the pipes. Clay soils have a low permeability rate and need more pipes at a closer spacing than sandy soils. Peaty soils require additional drainage due to their high water-holding capacity.

Water Table

The water table is the depth at which the soil is saturated with water. The level of the water table affects the depth of the pipes and the gradient of the system. A higher water table requires deeper pipes and a steeper gradient.

Rainfall Rate

The rainfall rate determines the rate of water flow into the subsurface drainage system. A higher rainfall rate requires more pipes and a larger storage capacity.

Slope

The slope of the land determines the gradient of the subsurface drainage system. A steeper slope requires a steeper gradient to facilitate water flow.

Area of Interest

The area of interest determines the location and layout of the subsurface drainage system. The system can be designed to drain a field, a garden, a golf course, or any other area of interest.

Conclusion

At Drainage Cumbria, we understand the unique challenges that excess water can cause in Cumbria. Our subsurface drainage system offers an effective solution to manage excess water, improve crop yields, and reduce waterlogging. Our team of experts uses the latest technology and techniques to design and install a subsurface drainage system that meets your specific needs. Contact us today at 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help you.