Underneath 50 million-plus acres across the nation are miles of tile quietly keeping fields in prime condition for growing crops. This innovative approach to managing soil moisture is proving to be a game-changer in modern agriculture, providing numerous benefits to farmers and the environment alike.

Drain tile systems play a crucial role in controlling soil moisture levels. "It helps control the moisture in the dirt profile of the soil,” says Troy Aalsma, Sales Representative for Kartechner Brothers LLC. “We're not trying to dry out the soil 100 percent; all we're doing is taking the excess moisture that the soil can't handle. It prepares the ground for when there is heavy rainfall."

This not only prevents surface runoff and erosion but also keeps valuable topsoil in place. Farmers are reporting remarkable changes in their planting schedules and crop health due to drain tile systems. "Some of their farms that were always the latest to plant are now sometimes their first to plant. Being able to get out there is a huge convenience," says Aalsma.