Myth vs Fact
Tile drainage has proven itself as a practical, field-tested tool for improving productivity in prairie agriculture, yet it’s still surrounded by a few common misconceptions.
When you look at the real on-farm results and research, the benefits become clear—better field conditions, stronger crop performance, and more resilient production systems.
Myth #1
You need to drain the wettest field first.
The best return often comes from fields with the highest yield potential, not just the wettest areas. A strategic drainage plan helps prioritize fields that will pay back the investment fastest.
Myth #2
Tile dries out crops in a dry year.
Tile drainage only removes excess water. Properly drained soils allow for earlier seeding, deeper roots, and stronger crops that handle dry periods better.
Myth #3
Tile drainage is too expensive.
Drainage is a long-term investment that can increase yields, reduce drowned-out acres, improve field access, and even increase land. When land values are not favourable to purchase more land, tile drainage can increase profit from the current land base.
Myth #4
Tile drainage wastes water
In reality, it manages excess water by moving it below the root zone, improving field conditions while reducing surface runoff and erosion.
Myth #5
It only helps in wet years
While benefits are most visible in wet conditions, tile drainage improves consistency year over year by stabilizing soil moisture and trafficability.
Myth #6
It harms the environment by draining nutrients
When properly designed, tile systems can actually reduce surface runoff and soil erosion, and support more controlled nutrient movement compared to uncontrolled water flow.