DRAINAGE OF

IRRIGATED LANDS

PRESENTED BY
DEEPJYOTI PURKAYASTHA, 7TH SEM , CVE/20/04
 CONTENTS
 IMPORTANCE OF DRAINAGE
 OBJECTIVES OF LAND DRAINAGE
 TYPES OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
 DESIGN CONSIDERATION FOR DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
 MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE
 BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE DRAINAGE
 IMPORTANCE OF DRAINAGE
Drainage plays a crucial role in irrigated lands and is essential for maintaining soil health, optimizing crop growth, and preventing
waterlogging and salinization. Here are some key reasons why drainage is important in irrigated lands:
1. Water Control: Drainage systems help manage the water supply in irrigated lands by controlling excess water. They remove
excess surface runoff, rainfall, and irrigation water, preventing waterlogging and ensuring an optimal level of soil moisture for
plant growth. Proper water control prevents the formation of stagnant water pools, which can lead to oxygen deprivation in the
root zone and adversely affect plant health.
2. Soil Aeration: Adequate soil aeration is critical for root respiration and nutrient uptake by plants. Drainage systems facilitate
the movement of air through the soil profile by removing excess water. Nutrient Management: Efficient drainage systems play
a vital role in nutrient management in irrigated lands. They prevent the accumulation of excess nutrients in the root zone,
which can lead to nutrient imbalances and reduced crop productivity.
3. Salinity Control: Poorly drained irrigated lands can suffer from salt accumulation, leading to soil salinization. Excess
irrigation water can carry dissolved salts from the soil surface to the root zone. Proper drainage systems help prevent the
buildup of salts by removing the excess water containing salt ions.
4. Disease and Pest Management: Waterlogged soils create favorable conditions for the growth and spread of certain plant
diseases and pests. Drainage systems help reduce the incidence and severity of water-related diseases by removing excess
moisture that promotes pathogen development.
5. Sustainable Land Use: Effective drainage systems improve the long-term sustainability of irrigated lands. They allow for
better land use planning and utilization of agricultural areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for cultivation due to poor
drainage conditions. By enabling proper water management and preventing waterlogging and salinization, drainage helps
 OBJECTIVES OF LAND DRAINAGE

The objectives of land drainage can vary depending on the specific circumstances and goals of the land management. However, the following are
some common objectives of land drainage:
1. Soil Improvement: Land drainage helps improve soil conditions by promoting better soil structure, aeration, and nutrient
availability. Proper drainage facilitates the movement of air through the soil, preventing soil compaction and promoting root
respiration. It also helps leach excess salts and nutrients from the root zone, preventing soil salinization and nutrient imbalances.
2. Crop Productivity: Land drainage plays a crucial role in maximizing crop productivity. By controlling water levels and creating
favorable soil conditions, drainage systems provide an environment where crops can thrive. Proper drainage ensures that crops
have access to adequate soil moisture, oxygen, and nutrients, allowing them to grow optimally and achieve higher yields.
3. Environmental Protection: Land drainage aims to protect the environment by managing water resources effectively and
preventing soil degradation. By controlling water movement, drainage systems help prevent soil erosion caused by excess runoff.
They also minimize the risk of water pollution by reducing the leaching of nutrients, pesticides, and other contaminants into
groundwater or nearby water bodies.
4. Land Utilization: Another objective of land drainage is to increase the usability and productivity of agricultural or other land
areas. By improving soil conditions and managing water effectively, drainage allows for the cultivation of land that would
otherwise be unsuitable for farming or other purposes due to poor drainage conditions. Proper land drainage can expand the
available land for agricultural production, increase land value, and support various land uses, such as construction, recreation, or
infrastructure development.
5. Flood Mitigation: In areas prone to flooding, land drainage systems are designed to mitigate flood risks. By efficiently removing
excess water from the land, drainage helps prevent flood damage to crops, infrastructure, and property. It contributes to flood
management and reduces the vulnerability of the land to flood events.
 Pump enabled irrigation system

Land drains
 TYPES OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

1. Surface Drainage: Surface drainage involves the removal of excess water from the land surface through the use
of open channels, ditches, or shallow depressions. Surface drains are typically used in flat or gently sloping areas
to direct water away from the land and prevent waterlogging. They can be constructed with different materials
such as concrete, plastic, or earthen channels.

2. Subsurface Drainage: Subsurface drainage systems are designed to remove excess water from the soil profile,
below the ground surface. They typically consist of a network of perforated pipes or drain tiles installed in
trenches or buried at a specific depth. Subsurface drains help lower the water table, improve soil aeration, and
prevent waterlogging. They are commonly used in areas with poorly draining soils or high groundwater levels.
SUB SURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEM SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM
 DESIGN CONSIDERATION FOR DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

1. Site Topography and Hydrology: Understanding the site's topography, including slopes, contours, and natural drainage
patterns, is crucial for designing an effective drainage system. Assessing the hydrological characteristics of the site, such
as rainfall intensity, runoff volumes, and groundwater levels, helps determine the capacity and layout of the drainage
system.
2. Drainage System Capacity: Determining the required drainage system capacity involves calculating the peak flow rates
and volumes of water that need to be managed. Factors such as rainfall intensity, catchment area, and soil infiltration
rates are considered to size the drainage components adequately.
3. Drainage Outlet: Identifying an appropriate outlet for the drainage system is crucial. The outlet can be a natural
watercourse, a stormwater system, a retention pond, or an infiltration area. The outlet capacity must be capable of
handling the anticipated flow from the drainage system to prevent water backup and flooding.
4. Drainage System Layout: The layout of the drainage system should be planned to efficiently collect and remove excess
water. It involves determining the position, spacing, and alignment of drains. Proper drain spacing and alignment ensure
uniform drainage across the site and prevent water stagnation.
5. Drainage Pipe Design: If subsurface drains such as pipes or drain tiles are used, their design should consider factors
such as pipe size, material, and gradient. The pipe diameter should accommodate the expected flow rates, and pipe
materials should be durable, corrosion-resistant, and have sufficient permeability.
6. Erosion and Sediment Control: Implementing measures to control erosion and sedimentation is essential to maintain
the long-term effectiveness of the drainage system. Considerations include the use of erosion control blankets, sediment
basins, or sediment traps to minimize sediment buildup and maintain the drainage system's capacity.
 MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

1. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of the drainage system to identify any signs of
damage, blockages, or changes in performance. Inspections should include checking the condition of
drains, pipes, outlets, and any associated structures. Inspect for signs of erosion, sediment buildup,
vegetation obstruction, or structural damage.
2. Clearing Debris and Blockages: Remove any debris, sediment, or vegetation that may accumulate
within the drainage system. Clear blockages from grates, channel inlets, and outlet structures to ensure
unobstructed water flow. Regularly clean out and flush subsurface drains to prevent clogging.
3. Vegetation Management: Control vegetation growth within and around the drainage system.
Overgrown vegetation can obstruct water flow, contribute to debris accumulation, and compromise the
system's effectiveness. Trim or remove vegetation as needed to maintain proper drainage functionality.
4. Repair and Maintenance of Structures: Inspect and repair any structural components of the drainage
system, including pipes, channels, outlets, and control structures. Repair any cracks, leaks, or damage in
pipes to prevent water leakage and maintain efficient water flow. Ensure that outlet structures are
functioning properly and are clear of debris.
 BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE DRAINAGE

1. Prevention of Waterlogging and Flooding: One of the primary benefits of effective drainage is the prevention of
waterlogging and flooding. By efficiently removing excess water from the land, drainage systems help maintain
suitable soil moisture levels, prevent water accumulation on the surface, and reduce the risk of damage to
structures, crops, or infrastructure caused by flooding.
2. Improved Soil Aeration and Health: Proper drainage facilitates better soil aeration by allowing excess water to
drain away. Well-drained soil promotes the exchange of gases between the soil and the atmosphere, enhancing
root respiration and nutrient uptake by plants. It also helps prevent soil compaction, which can impede root
growth and overall plant health.
3. Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: Drainage systems are essential for agriculture, as they can significantly
improve crop productivity. Effective drainage removes excess water from fields, preventing waterlogging and
creating favorable conditions for root development. It allows for timely field operations, prevents crop diseases
associated with water saturation, and increases nutrient availability in the root zone.
4. Reduced Soil Erosion: By controlling the flow of water, drainage systems help minimize soil erosion. They
redirect runoff away from vulnerable areas, such as steep slopes or construction sites, reducing the erosive force
of water. This protects the topsoil, preserves soil structure, and prevents sedimentation in water bodies, which can
have adverse environmental impacts.
THANK YOU