For as long as humankind has been working the land the importance of soil drainage has been recognised. Soil naturally drains water, to an extent, however sometimes water can build up in pools at the root of crops which can expose them to various diseases and fungi.
Soil and root structures are naturally inclined to drain water, however the problem arises when water drains down the soil bed to reach a solid rock bottom. Water can begin to build up in pools, which as we have mentioned can kill off plants.
Soil comes in radically different forms. For instance, very loose soils such as sandy soils will drain water very quickly. This in itself can be an issue, and may cause plants to dry out at a fast rate. Where there are very loose soils soil drainage systems become less important.
Where soils are more dense, such as very clay heavy soils, soil drainage solutions become extremely important. Clay soil tends to sit on a solid rock bed, where water can pool if it’s not drained adequately. In this context, drainage pipes and irrigation systems are used.
Various kinds of piping can be used for effective soil drainage. However, one of the most effective materials is lightweight cast iron, which offers a high level of durability and protection from the elements. Damaged pipes can have various negative implications, but extremely durable, lightweight cast iron is a material you can rely on not to break.
