GPS Proves Ag Drainage Works

(Information courtesy of USDA, Ohio State University Agricultural Extension, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Canadian Geographic, and PR Newswire.)


Technology developed for national defense is now aiding farmers in maximizing their acreage yields. Global Positioning System (GPS) systems allow farmers to evaluate soil conditions, moisture, and fertilizer needs, saving money and boosting returns.

GPS runs from a network of 24 U.S. military satellites orbiting the earth, sending up-to-the-minute data maps of farm acreage to growers around the world. These maps reveal topographic differences, soil conditions, and crop development – all valuable information for farmers seeking to make the most of their land. This trend, called, "precision farming," promises to be the next major trend in agribusiness.

Most importantly, this satellite technology is proving the value of good agricultural drainage. GPS maps are being compared with yield monitor results to study crop performance. The GPS information reveals low or wet spots in the field, and poor drainage patterns. This helps farmers quantify the cost of poor drainage - comparing poor yields, year after year, with the benefits of a corrugated polyethylene pipe drainage system. In turn, farmers can adjust their drainage patterns to ensure that every square foot of land benefits from optimum moisture and drainage conditions.

Installing proper field drainage is worth the initial investment. Every other decision a farmer makes about crop programs is going to disappoint if not combined with proper field drainage.