Red Seal Agricultural Equipment Technician Practice Exam

What can be done to improve drainage in agricultural fields?

1. Utilizing heavier machinery

2. Installing tile drains or surface ditches

3. Applying more fertilizer

4. Creating berms and ridges

The correct answer is: Installing tile drains or surface ditches

Improving drainage in agricultural fields is essential for maintaining soil health and optimizing crop production. Installing tile drains or surface ditches is an effective method to enhance drainage because these systems allow excess water to be carried away from the field. Tile drains are buried pipes that facilitate the removal of water from the soil, helping to prevent waterlogging, which can damage crops and inhibit root growth. Similarly, surface ditches can help direct surface water runoff away from the field, preventing standing water and promoting better aeration in the soil. Effective drainage management contributes to improved soil structure, increased productivity, and overall better management of field conditions. This practice is particularly important in areas prone to heavy rainfall or where the natural soil conditions lead to poor drainage. By contrast, the other options do not effectively address drainage issues: utilizing heavier machinery can compact the soil and exacerbate drainage problems, applying more fertilizer may lead to runoff and pollution without improving water management, and creating berms and ridges can sometimes redirect water but may not effectively manage existing drainage concerns.