Innovative Tile Drainage Solutions for Farms That Thrive
Subsurface tile drainage is one of the most effective long-term investments a farmer can make.
Tile drainage helps Saskatchewan farmers protect their land, their yields, and their investment.
Benefits of Tile Drainage
what exactly is Tile Drainage?
Tile drainage is the process of installing underground pipes that help remove excess water from the soil. At Sub-Surface, we use durable corrugated polyethylene (PE) pipes for every installation.
The name “tile drainage” comes from the past, when concrete or clay tiles were used instead of modern materials. Today’s systems use perforated plastic pipe, carefully placed at a precise grade below the surface. This allows water to seep into the pipe and flow out to a ditch, creek, or other outlet.
By lowering the water table, tile drainage prevents crop roots from sitting in saturated soil. This creates healthier growing conditions where plants can access the moisture and oxygen they need, while avoiding the stress of excess water.
How is it installed?
We install tile drainage using advanced, commercially built tile plows guided by GPS technology, with access to multiple satellites at a time. This level of precision ensures every system is installed to perform at its best.
But technology is only part of the equation. Successful drainage depends on the skill of the operator, which is why we rely exclusively on highly trained professionals to run our equipment.
Will Tile dry out the soil?
The short answer is no. Without it, the additional water causes the roots to drown due to a lack of oxygen. Once the tile drainage is installed, it only removes excess water, which is occupying airspace in the soil. Tile drainage leaves the “hygroscopic” water behind.
What is the main function?
Tile drainage acts as a “buffer” to excess rainfall by creating room in the soil for water to soak in over time. It is proven to reduce surface runoff by up to 29%, cut phosphorus losses by as much as 45%, and protect soil from erosion—all while delivering more consistent yields.
Tailored Solutions for Every Farm
No two fields perform the same—soil type, slope, drainage patterns, and crop rotation all play a role in how water moves across your land. That’s why every tile drainage system is designed specifically for your farm, not pulled from a one-size-fits-all template.
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Each plan is built around your field conditions and production goals, ensuring the system works with your land to improve drainage where it’s needed most. The result is a customized approach that maximizes productivity, protects soil health, and delivers long-term performance you can rely on season after season.
Ready to maximize the potential of your land?
306-873-1985
Box 718
Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Canada
S0E 1T0
