NC State Extension Publications

Improving drainage of poorly drained soils improves trafficability for timely field operations. In addition, drainage improves crop yield by eliminating long periods of excess water. An important advantage of subsurface drains is that drainage occurs without taking land out of production. In North Carolina, subsurface drains are generally installed with closer spacing than typical open ditches. Subsurface drains, along with good surface drainage, effectively protect crops from excessive soil water conditions.

Subsurface drainage cost in North Carolina can vary greatly depending on location and is highly dependant on soil properties. The most important soil property affecting the cost per acre for drainage installation is soil texture, which determines the ability of the soil to move water both vertically and laterally. Figure 1 and Table 1 show the estimated costs of material and installation for subsurface drainage pipes in North Carolina with varying drain spacing. These cost estimates are based on 50 cents per linear foot of 4-inch perforated drains with fabric filter and average installation cost of 60 cents per linear foot. Installation cost may vary depending on the number of acres drained, drain depth, connections, system design, and ease of installation. The material cost of 4-inch drains may also vary depending on the supplier and whether fabric filters are included. A fabric filter prevents fine sands from entering and clogging the drains. You should choose the drain spacing that provides adequate drainage while avoiding unnecessary installation costs.

Figure 1. Estimated per acre subsurface drainage cost (50 cents per linear foot for 4-inch drains with fabric; 60 cents per linear foot for installation).

Table 1. Estimated per acre subsurface drainage cost (50 cents per linear foot for 4-inch drains with fabric; 60 cents per linear foot for installation)

 Spacing $/ac 30$1,597 40 $1,198 50$958 60 $799 70$685 80 $599 90$532 Spacing $/ac 100$479 110 $436 120$399 130 $369 140$342 150 $319 160$299 Spacing $/ac 170$282 180 $266 190$252 200 $240 210$228 220 $218 230$208 Spacing $/ac 240$200 250 $192 260$184 270 $177 280$171 290 $165 300$160

# Authors

Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Biological & Agricultural Engineering
Professor
Biological & Agricultural Engineering
William Neal Reynolds and Distinguished University Professor Emeritus
Biological & Agricultural Engineering

Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites:

Publication date: Jan. 10, 2020
AG-871

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.