Tile and mole drainage for control of waterlogging in duplex soils of south-eastern Australia

Abstract

Waterlogging is a major problem of dryland agriculture in many areas of Australia. Yellow duplex soils, especially those with bleached A2 horizons, are the soils most commonly associated with waterlogging. The problem is principally the development of perched watertables in the A horizons after rain, due to the restricted downward drainage of water caused by the low hydraulic conductivity of heavy clay subsoils. Pipe and mole drainage techniques are briefly reviewed, and experience with subsoil drainage in yellow duplex soils in Victoria is outlined.