The rôle of field drains in removing excess water from the soil. I. Some observations on rates of flow from outfalls

Abstract

1. Some records of tile drain performance by J. Bailey Denton in 1856–7 have been re-examined. The different aspects of drainage in heavy- and light-soil types are indicated.2. The existence and influence of the movements of the water table in connection with the behaviour of light-land drains are demonstrated. The problem of the water table in heavy land is discussed and the behaviour of field test holes in such circumstances is explained by surface drainage into them.3. The magnitude of the fluctuations in run-off from heavy land and the need for closer records of outfall performance are stressed.