Water table management for field-sized areas in the Atlantic Coastal Plain

Excerpt

WET soil conditions caused by shallow water tables were the primary reason for development and use of drainage systems in humid regions. In the eastern United States, precipitation in excess of evapotranspiration during a significant portion of the year causes the ground-water level to rise into the root zone. Shallow water tables severely restrict agricultural production on about half of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. These shallow water tables and poor natural drainage create an excessive soil-water condition that severely limits field cultural activities, delays planting, and restricts crop growth and subsequent production.

In most humid regions, wet agricultural soil conditions during winter and early spring are followed by intermittent dry periods during the growing season. This necessitates irrigation for consistently profitable crop growth and production. Low water-holding capacities of soils in the Atlantic Coastal Plain cause soil moisture deficiencies whenever there is no rainfall or irrigation during relatively short time periods (5-10 days). This has caused serious crop production losses in recent years.

Humid regions with these characteristics-wet during winter and the early part of the growing season and dry during much of the growing season-require improved water management. In areas with suitable topography …