Advanced Agricultural Drainage Solutions in North Dakota
At Ellingson we know that proper drainage and water management is key to increasing yields, reducing risk, and maximizing profit on today’s farms in North Dakota. As a leading provider of subsurface drainage solutions, we partner with growers across the state to increase their farm’s productivity through our agricultural drainage pipes, drainage tiles, remote monitoring and control technologies, maintenance programs, and complete water management systems.
For over 50 years Ellingson has been delivering solutions specific to soil types, weather patterns, cropping practices, and operational goals for North Dakota farmers. Our expertise helps growers drain waterlogged fields, remove excess water, lower water tables, improve soil aeration, promote root growth, increase crop production, and build climate resilience.
Our Comprehensive Agricultural Water Management Services
At Ellingson, we offer all the services you need to manage water on your North Dakota farm:
- Agricultural Drainage – We design, install, maintain, and upgrade systems to remove excess water from poorly drained land, and reduce risks and increase yields. Our team handles everything from site assessment and drainage layout to quality installation and service to ensure your tile drainage investment performs at its best.
- Controlled Drainage – Our controlled drainage systems allow you to manage subsurface water levels to conserve moisture, control irrigation, and reduce nutrient runoff. With automated control structures and real-time monitoring, you can adjust water tables in real time to build crop resilience throughout the growing season.
- Subsurface Irrigation – We install subsurface irrigation systems that deliver water and nutrients directly to the root zone for increased efficiency and yield. By optimizing water use, minimizing evaporation, and spoon-feeding crops, our solutions help you use water more efficiently, improve fertigation, and maximize production.
- Specialty Drainage – We can design and install specialty drainage systems for unique needs like water management in orchards, nurseries, cranberry bogs, or complex soil conditions. Whatever your water removal needs are, we can develop a custom solution.
- Lift Stations / Pumps – From small lift stations to quadruple pump setups for large acre projects, we offer reliable high-performance pumping solutions with remote monitoring. Our pumps are built to power your drainage system for effortless operation and early issue detection.
Our Process
- Discovery & Data-Gathering – We start by digging into your farm’s specifics – soil types, topography, drainage patterns, and crop plans. This helps us identify which fields will benefit significantly from agricultural drainage.
- In-field Consultation – Next our experts will visit your farm to gather more information, talk to you about your needs and goals, and start building a custom water management plan. We pride ourselves on our personal, consultative approach so you can make informed decisions.
- Design & Engineering – With a deep understanding of your farm’s needs, our in-house engineers and designers get to work on your custom drainage plan. We engineer your system to perform, maximize ROI, and work with your existing operations.
- Installation – When it’s time to bring your drainage system to life you can count on our trained installation crews. They use the latest specialized equipment and follow industry best practices to get your system installed correctly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your fields.
- Follow-up – We don’t stop after the project is done. We’ll check in with you to review the project, answer questions, and discuss maintenance and support. We want to provide you with the support and service you need for long-term drainage system performance and peace of mind.
The Importance of Proper Drainage and Water Management in North Dakota Agriculture
Water management is key to crop growth and soil health in North Dakota’s varied landscape. But excess moisture from poorly drained soils, waterlogged fields and saturated soils can deprive roots of oxygen, nutrients, and water, leading to ponding, compaction, erosion, nutrient leaching, and salinity buildup.
Ellingson’s drainage solutions create the perfect moisture balance in the root zone for healthy plant growth resulting in:
- More Yields – With optimal soil moisture, crops develop stronger root systems and consistently take up nutrients and water, resulting in higher yields.
- Risk Reduction – Drainage prevents wet spots, runoff, anaerobic conditions, and oversaturation, which devastate yields, and reduce the risk from weather variability.
- Operational Efficiency – Drained fields allow you to get into the field sooner and work faster for timely tasks like planting, spraying, and harvesting, resulting in greater labor and equipment efficiency.
- Cost Savings – By reducing the risk of crop loss from waterlogging, erosion, nutrient leaching, and salinity buildup, drainage is a big return on investment and more profitable for farmers.
- Improved Soil Health – Drainage enhances soil aeration, reduces compaction, decreases erosion, and improves saline and sodic soils.
Custom Drain Tile Systems for Every North Dakota Farm
Ellingson’s experts assess each farm to design custom subsurface drainage systems using different drain tile materials, sizes, depths, and installation methods for North Dakota’s diverse soils and crop systems.
- Drain Tile – We source top-quality drain tile in various materials, sizes, and perforation patterns to maximize drainage and longevity in your soil type – we’ll choose the right tile for your land.
- Drainage Coefficient – A key factor in drainage system design is the drainage coefficient – the rate at which the system can remove excess water from the soil profile.Our experts calculate the optimal drainage coefficient for your crops and conditions so your system can remove water without waterlogging or over-drying.
- Laterals – Lateral spacing and sizing are critical for uniform drainage across your fields. We typically install 3” or 4” laterals, balancing performance and cost. Our engineers use specialized software to determine the best layout and pipe sizes to remove water consistently without overloading the system.
- Overcuts – For deeper drainage installations we use overcuts to install your drain tile at the correct depth. With our specialized equipment, we can trench, separate topsoil, place the tile and backfill the trench while minimizing compaction and soil disturbance.
Our Projects
- Agricultural Drainage in Larimore, ND – For this wheat and barley operation challenged by a high water table and sandy soils, we installed over 50 miles of drain tile using our advanced plowing and GPS guidance equipment. The drainage system effectively reduced soil compaction, erosion, and salinity across 1,570 acres.
- Controlled Drainage in Walsh County, ND – To help this potato and sugar beet grower better manage water resources, we implemented a controlled drainage system with automated control structures and real-time monitoring. The result was improved water retention, nutrient management, and crop quality.
- Agricultural Drain Tile Project – Mapleton, ND – For this 160-acre field, we installed drainage tiles to enhance water management. Using equipment like the BRON 585 plow and JCB tractor, our four-man crew efficiently laid out the tile lines. This system improves water absorption and drainage, leading to better crop yields and timely planting and harvesting.
Ellingson: Your Trusted Water Management Partner in North Dakota
Ready to unlock the full potential of your North Dakota farm? Contact Ellingson today at 888-527-2294 to discuss your agricultural water management needs. Our team will work closely with you to design and install a customized drainage system that reduces risks, increases yields, improves efficiency, conserves water, and boosts profitability.
With over 50 years of delivering solutions and services to farmers across the country, Ellingson is your go-to for maximizing productivity through agricultural drainage and irrigation technology. Let us help you optimize your land and create a more successful future for your North Dakota farm.
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