The annual University of Minnesota Extension Drainage Design Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Memorial Union at NDSU. The workshop is a collaborative effort between the University of Minnesota Extension and NDSU Extension Service.

The workshop will focus on the planning and design of tile drainage systems for farm fields. It is intended for anyone who wants a more complete understanding of the design principles and practices of tile drainage systems.

“The spring of 2009 will be remembered for many years for the record flooding that took place in many parts of North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota,” says Tom Scherer, NDSU Extension Service agricultural engineer. “The persistent flooding, along with spring rains, resulted in almost two million unplanted acres in North Dakota alone. As a result, many farmers became interested in controlling high water tables or excess water using subsurface drainage.”

The workshop will feature educational presentations and several problem-solving examples that cover basic design and layout principles, water flow calculations, tile spacing, sizing, tile grades, topographical constraints and lift station design. The format is intended to be hands-on with lots of discussion time.

The registration fee is $100 and includes lunch, course materials, refreshments and a parking pass. Class size is limited to 40 participants and registration is required. Participants must register online at the University of Minnesota drainage Web site at www.drainageoutlet.umn.edu.

For more information, contact Scherer at 1-7239 or thomas.scherer@ndsu.edu.