Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Property Projects & Construction Installing Drain Tile in Field

I'm considering adding a drain tile to the farm field that lies north of my pond to help with water level. The field is higher in elevation and will drain into the pond during a very heavy rain, but otherwise doesn't contribute much. I had a professional tile installer look at it and he didn't think it would be worth the expense for him to do it, but if I did it myself it may be worth the time/expense.

Anyone have experience with this? Im going off of google for this...I've read where its best to dig a 3' trench with backhoe, add gravel, then tile, then backfill. I've also read that its best to rent a big trencher and just put the tile in and backfill. I own a skidsteer, but would have to rent all other equipment. Thoughts??

Will the tile have a filter fabric built in to help reduce soil moving through the tile? Will you be practicing conservation tillage on the farm ground? I am no expert, but I think these would be important.

Not sure I understand what your trying to do but would gravel-less septic line work for that application?

Good questions...The professional tile installer was going to use a machine that essentially looks like a big knife that cuts a trench just wide and deep enough for the tile to sit in. He doesn't put any gravel when he does it this way. I was going to add gravel below and on top of the perforated drain tile before back filling.

The field will be put into a government CRP program next spring. If I do install a tile, I want to do it before I plant the CRP grasses. It will never be tilled again.

A little background about my 1 acre pond. It has leaked since it was dug 5 years ago. Long story short...we dug it deeper last spring and it is holding water much better now. I do pump water into it from my well. The field does not need drainage, but if I can get water from it it may be worth it. I'm looking at around 700' of tile that I'd install from the top of field ending in the pond.

If you use gravel, then you will want to install a filter fabric over the gravel (like a septic system). If you install gravel under the tile, then less water will run in the tile and more will be absorbed in the soil locally.