By Robert Arnason, The Western Producer, May 19, 2016
The affect of tile drainage depends on the nature of the cropland and how it is connected to nearby rivers and streams. If tile drains a low spot where water used to remain in the field, it could increase the amount of nutrients leaving the cropland.
On the other hand, the soil filters out nutrients in the water as it moves through the soil matrix.
Mitchell Timmerman, Manitoba Agriculture agri-ecosytems specialist, said the Manitoba Livestock Manure Management Initiative is seeking a more comprehensive answer to the question. It recruited two groups, University of Manitoba scientists and experts with Stantec engineering, to review the scientific literature on tile and nutrient loss. They are expected to submit their reports later this spring.
