Tile drainage system 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.  

The workshops will be held Feb. 14 and 15, 2007 in the Moorhead Area Conference Center at the Courtyard by Marriott; and March 6, 7, and 8 at the Best Western Hotel in North Mankato.

The annual workshops will feature informative presentations, problem solving examples and lots of discussion time. The workshops are intended for farmers, tiling contractors, landowners, industry and agency staff, crop consultants, and land and water resource managers.

On the first day, participants will learn about the importance of good soil water management from Extension specialists and experienced practitioners. Introductory and planning topics in soil water management will be discussed, including economics, alternative land use options, water quality impacts and fundamental tile drainage design concepts.

The second day, participants will experience several hands-on drainage layout and design problems and hear the latest on conservation drainage systems.

The third day (offered in Mankato only) will emphasize more 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.

The University of Minnesota Extension Service is sponsoring the workshops, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension, North Dakota State University Extension and industry partners. 

Pre-registration is required by early -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 the program agenda will be available in January at http://www.drainageoutlet.umn.edu the University of Minnesota Drainage Outlet website.

For more information on the programs, contact Hans Kandel, Regional Extension Educator (Crookston), kande001@umn.edu, 218-281-8688; Craig Schrader, Regional Extension Educator (Mankato), schr0118@umn.edu, 507-389-6745;or Gary Sands, Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering Department (St. Paul campus), grsands@umn.edu , 612-625-4756.

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