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Re: NWSG roots plugging drain tiles

Tiling contractors have seen grass roots in tile and it is not
uncommon.  It will vary how much the roots get into the tile
and disrupt flow.  As a rule of thumb about 1/3 of a perennial
grass root system dies and regenerates annually.  So grass
roots that get into tile eventually die and since they are
small in diameter and decay quickly they get flushed out when
the tile runs.  Tree roots on the other hand will get into the
tile and plug them.  So for folks planning on establishing
trees along riparian areas they will want to know if there is
any field tile draining the uplands that outlet into the
stream.  If so the tile line(s) that cross the riparian area
will need to be located, dug up, and replaced with PVC pipe. 
That will keep tree roots out and the system will remain
functional to provide drainage to the uplands.  

Brett Roberts

Chris Hauser wrote:
> 
> Jef,
> 
> I can't think of any reason roots would invade the field tile.  There
> shouldn't be anything inside the tile that isn't already outside it in the
> surrounding soil.
> 
> Chris.
> 
> On Mon, 4 Sep 2000, PrairieSource.com wrote:
> 
> >Does anyone have any experience or information, citations, references,
> >etc.regarding native grasses roots plugging agricultural field tile?
> >
> >OH DNR is promoting the planting of native grasses as filter strips but
> >they are meeting some opposition using the theory that the roots will
> >clog the tiles, thus rendering them useless. Any help would be
> >appreciated.
> >
> >Jef Hodges
> >
> >
> >
> 
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