ABSTRACT
The performance of surface drainage practices and mulching was evaluated in a low land area in Northern Paraná, Brazil. Before and after rice crop, drainage rates were compared for treatments with and without mole drains, and discharge and clogging of the mole drains were also determined. Under beans, the effects of mole drains and bedding on soil drainage, together with the effect of mulching on soil moisture retention, were evaluated. The results indicated that mole drains were more efficient if constructed under lower soil moisture, however, their longevity was less than one year. During bean cultivation, mole drains and mulching maintained soil water table deeper and lower soil water tension, but these effects occurred in layers deeper than the root zone (15 cm), resulting in low crop yield.
Key words:
mole drains; surface drainage; low lands; beans