Tile Drainage Systems For Agriculture

Tile drainage systems for agriculture is the topic of upcoming Agricultural Drainage Design and Water Management workshops at Moorhead and North Mankato, Minn. The workshops will focus on planning, design, economics, water management, and environmental implications.

Where and When

The workshops will be held Feb. 21 and 22, 2006 in the Moorhead Area Conference Center at the Courtyard by Marriott; and March 7, 8 and 9 at the Best Western Hotel in North Mankato.

The University of Minnesota Extension Service is sponsoring the workshops, in partnership with the Minnesota Land Improvement Contractors Association and industry partners. Iowa State University Extension, the North Dakota State University Extension Service and the South Dakota State University Extension Service are also partners in the workshop.

Agenda and Topics

The annual workshops will feature informative presentations, problem solving examples and lots of discussion time. The workshops are intended for farmers, tiling contractors, crop consultants, landowners, industry and agency staff, and land and water resource managers. Five to six CEU's have been approved in the soil and water management area for each day by Mn Certified Crop Advisers.

On the first day, Extension specialists and experienced practitioners will cover introductory and planning topics in soil water management including economics, alternative land use options, water quality impacts and fundamental tile drainage design concepts. The second day will include several hands-on drainage layout and design problems and the latest on conservation drainage systems.

The third day (Mankato only) will emphasize advanced drainage design topics such as drainage water management systems and wetland treatment of drainage waters, as well as updates on current regional drainage research.

An exhibit hall featuring drainage business and industry displays will be available at each location for visiting during workshop breaks.

Registration

Pre-registration is required by mid-February. Contact Jean Spohr at the University of Minnesota, West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) in Morris at (320) 589-1711, or spohrjm@mrs.umn.edu to get on the mailing list for a registration flyer. Registration forms and program agenda are also available at the U of M Drainage Outlet Web site, http://d-outlet.coafes.umn.edu.

More Information

For more information on the programs contact Extension engineer Jerry Wright, at WCROC-Morris at (320) 589-1711, jwright@umn.edu; or Gary Sands, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department in St Paul at grsands@umn.edu or (612) 625-4756.

Sources:
Jerry Wright (320) 589-1711, jwright@umn.edu
Gary Sands, grsands@umn.edu
Editor:
Jack Sperbeck (612) 625-1794, sperb001@umn.edu