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Agricultural water management (drainage) is the process of moving excess water to make land available for agriculture. 

Drainage

Saskatchewan farmers contribute to global food security.

With over 38 M acres of annual crop production in the AG Zone (the region with the right soil and climate capable of food production) we have an enormous responsibility to optimize field efficiency. Field Efficiency is the single most important variable related to sustainability in Canadian agriculture. 

Field efficiency is the responsible drainage of excess temporary and seasonal field water to protect soil and crop health, improve field agronomics and support environmental stewardship.

The result of field efficiency is a:

  • Reduced compaction and salinity
  • Healthier microbiome
  • Reduced abiotic stressors
  • Reduced overland flooding and nutrient washouts
  • Enhanced crop production and yield
  • Reduced carbon footprint

However, the AG Zone is regionally diverse and extremely variable from year to year. Some years and some areas can require extensive management to ensure field efficiency, and the most vulnerable AG zones and water sources are protected.

In fact, the most vulnerable areas rely on water management the most. 

Managing the excess, temporary and seasonal water within the AG zone allows the AG zone to function optimally. This is done with drainage management (drainage), which is the process of removing or consolidating excess water to remove temporary and/or seasonal water to make land available for agriculture. 

Low-angle view of a clear strip of earth in between lush grass, as if a tire track made it.

Drainage is an Essential Tool for Saskatchewan Farmers and the Environment

Effectively managing water is a complex process that includes:

  • Coordination through network approvals
  • Best practices in design and construction
  • Flow controls and gates
  • Erosion control
  • Timing restrictions and setbacks
  • Land control
  • The use of Beneficial Management Practices

Fully managed drainage systems provide effective flood control, function as spring and in-season holdbacks, allow for water table recharge and provide flow controls. Drainage management also means food production, field efficiency and agronomic stewardship while providing environmental benefits.

The Inefficiencies of Unmanaged Land are Exponential

The Saskatchewan landscape is not flat, and farmers often report 30 potholes or more per quarter section. When these temporary wet land potholes are unmanaged, it significantly decreases productivity and add significant costs for farmers.    

  • Increased turn time to travel the field for each pass. 
  • Wasted crop inputs
  • Additional management hours for each field
  • Higher fuel costs
  • Increased equipment maintenance expenses
Learn More About AG Zones

Our research shows that unmanaged temporary water costs as much as $170 per acre due to loss of productivity and additional production costs.

$170/acre x 5000 acre farm = $850,000 

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