Inspect the system after storm events that may adversely alter the water level in the control area. The closer to the ground surface the top board is set, the sooner you need to check the water level. Follow the Operation and Maintenance Plans for the water table control structures in the drainage water management system. Follow the target water elevations or board settings for field operations (e.g. planting, harvest, manure application, fallow) shown above. When making board setting adjustments, allow sufficient time for water level in the control area to reach the target elevation prior to performing field operations. Periodically monitor water levels in the water table control structures to ensure the target elevation is achieved. Maintain records of dates and elevations when adjustments are made to the outlet elevation in the control structure(s). [see sample on next page] Add additional Management Plans for each water control structure in the field. Records Example Smith_____ LANDOWNER: __D. COUNTY: __Clinton__ Farm____ FARM: _Bell FIELD NUMBER / IDENTIFIER: _W1___ Structure No. _2___ Crop __2011__ CONTROL STRUCTURE OUTLET ELEVATION ADJUSTMENTS TARGET FLASH SEASONAL EVENT or WATER BOARD COMMENTS DATE CROP STAGE TABLE DEPTH SETTING (inches) Harvest completed and Fallow season 10-25-2010 0 Top manure application Prepare for spring 1 flash Gradual release 4-5-2011 7 tillage and planting board out Prepare for spring 2 flash Gradual release 4-8-2011 14 tillage and planting boards out Prepare for spring 3 flash Gradual release 4-11-2011 21 tillage and planting boards out
Inspect the system after storm events that may adversely alter the water level in the control area. The closer to the ground surface the top board is set, the sooner you need to check the water level. Follow the Operation and Maintenance Plans for the water table control structures in the drainage water management system. Follow the target water elevations or board settings for field operations (e.g. planting, harvest, manure application, fallow) shown above. When making board setting adjustments, allow sufficient time for water level in the control area to reach the target elevation prior to performing field operations. Periodically monitor water levels in the water table control structures to ensure the target elevation is achieved. Maintain records of dates and elevations when adjustments are made to the outlet elevation in the control structure(s). [see sample on next page] Add additional Management Plans for each water control structure in the field. Records Example LANDOWNER: __D. Smith_____ COUNTY: __Clinton__ FARM: _Bell Farm____ FIELD NUMBER / IDENTIFIER: _W1___ Structure No. _2___ Crop __2011__ CONTROL STRUCTURE OUTLET ELEVATION ADJUSTMENTS DATE SEASONAL EVENT or CROP STAGE TARGET WATER TABLE DEPTH (inches) FLASH BOARD SETTING COMMENTS 10-25-2010 Harvest completed and manure application 0 Top Fallow season 4-5-2011 Prepare for spring tillage and planting 7 1 flash board out Gradual release 4-8-2011 Prepare for spring tillage and planting 14 2 flash boards out Gradual release 4-11-2011 Prepare for spring tillage and planting 21 3 flash boards out Gradual release