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Can tile drainage unlock the potential of Manitoba’s clay soils? Dig Day puts the theory to the test

If rumours are to be believed, what Precision Land Solutions (PLS) did on August 7 was a fool’s errand. On that day – a day they called Dig Day – they brought their heavy equipment, their staff, and gallons of fresh coffee and pastries to a field on the west side of Highway 75, where they ploughed tile-drainage pipe into heavy clay soil for free.

Farmers, scientists, and industry folk took it in – at first under a tent listening to researchers and experts. Then, after getting stuffed with information and snacks, the throng left the shelter of the tent and went to the field, where those interested were able to sidle right up to the massive ploughs that would be cutting tile into the field before their very eyes. The goal of the demonstration was not just to debunk a myth and prove tile drainage works in clay, but to show how it could transform underutilized land into high-yield areas. 

"We believe so strongly that it works, we took the risk ourselves to show it,” said Chris Unrau, owner of PLS.

It was a long pass into the endzone. If the play is successful, the spectators will catch the vision, momentum will build, and the game will be elevated. This was the hope.

Clay soils are known to have deep water tables and low permeability, making water management particularly challenging. They’re susceptible to fast runoff during snowmelt and rainfall events and waterlogging during the growing season.

That these soils are unsuitable for tile drainage is misinformation. The perception that tiling doesn’t work in such heavy soils has discouraged many farmers and regulators from pursuing and/or approving what could be a highly effective strategy for crop improvement. This is a mindset that PLS wants to correct. This is Dig Day’s long pass into the endzone.

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Unrau, who has been involved in drainage for decades, explained how his research, which has taken him across many continents, helped him discover that tiling in clay soils was not only feasible, but a common practice in other regions. These "formative experiences" were pivotal, showing him that clay could be tiled, as long as the correct approaches were applied. 

"Most of the places in the world where tile drainage occurs, it’s primarily on soils that have been formed in lakebeds or other stratified layers, just like we have here," he said.

Manitoba has millions of acres of these clay soils. Many of those acres are in the Red River Valley and other low-lying agricultural areas. 

“In the mid-90s, we lost big due to excess moisture," said Unrau, reflecting on how surface drainage and levelling alone were not enough to correct water management issues on the farm. His eureka moment came when he looked to southern Ontario, where farmers were using tile drainage effectively even in heavy soils. 

PLS CEO Frank Elias also addressed common misconceptions around tile drainage, explaining how vital it is to get past the belief that clay soils are too challenging for this treatment.

"We have seen this work in clay soils around the world," he said. "It’s about understanding the science behind the soil and using the right techniques to unlock its potential. Clay soils aren’t a limitation—they’re an opportunity.”

In the article DRAINMOD Simulation of Drain Spacing Impact on Canola Yield in Heavy Clay Soils in the Canadian Prairies, authors Emeka Ndulue and Ramanathan Sri Ranjan highlight the effectiveness of tile drainage in managing soil moisture levels, particularly in clay soils that can retain excess water. Their findings show that "tile drainage systems can significantly reduce waterlogging," a key issue for Manitoba farmers dealing with heavy clay.

This reduction in waterlogging leads to healthier crops, less disease, and an overall increase in yields — a fact Unrau and Elias emphasized during the event.  The data also suggest that tile drainage improves soil structure over time, leading to long-term sustainability of the land.

The research aligns with PLS’s practical experience. Elias explained the company’s designs are built on data-driven models that help determine the optimal depth and spacing for tile in heavy clay soils.

"We’re not just guessing," Elias added. "We use the best available data and technology to ensure each project delivers maximum return for the farmer.”

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Dr. Gary Sands, a researcher from the University of Minnesota, and a well-known expert in drainage systems, shared that much of the skepticism around tiling clay soils comes from a lack of understanding, emphasizing, "Clay soils have been tiled successfully around the world. The key is designing the system properly and ensuring the drainage is consistent."

Sands also highlighted the return on investment for farmers, stating, "You could see a return in five to seven years, but often, there’s that one year where everything comes together, and the system pays for itself. It’s about reducing risks and increasing long-term resilience.”

Though profitability is a primary concern for farmers, Unrau didn’t shy away from discussing the environmental benefits of tile drainage, a topic he said is often overlooked.

"Good internal drainage reduces greenhouse gases and makes for healthier soils," he explained.

The tile drainage system allows roots to thrive by maintaining an optimal mix of soil, air, and water, reducing issues like denitrification, which can occur in overly saturated soils. Elias added that better water management leads to stronger crops and ultimately contributes to the environmental goals of modern agriculture.

The broader message from Dig Day was one of hope and innovation for the farming community, dovetailing seamlessly with the strong push across Manitoba’s agricultural landscape to develop strong, intelligent water management strategies. By showing that tile drainage can work in heavy clay soils, PLS is encouraging farmers across Manitoba to rethink how they manage water on their land. 

“Managing water makes for healthier crops, which makes for more resilient producers, which makes for stronger communities,” said Unrau.

The success of PLS’s long pass into the endzone rests on the newly tiled field’s productivity data over the next few years. If the play is successful, PLS will rewrite the narrative around clay soils, showing that not only is tile drainage possible, it’s also profitable and beneficial for both farmers and the environment.