The growth of moss on the surface of the ground and the cracking of the soil in dry weather are also indications of too much water.
DRAINS
How can we get rid of this surplus free water?
We can make passageways through the soil to a lower level and then let gravity pull the water through them to lower ground below. These passageways are called drains.
Drains may be classed as:
Surface drains which are shallow, open channels made in the soil with a plow, hoe or other tool, to carry off surface water. They are temporary and need frequent renewing.
Open-ditch drains are deeper, more permanent water passageways around or across the fields.
Surface and open-ditch drains take only surface water. They also carry off surface soil and manures washed into them. They frequently become choked or stopped by trash and soil, and are in the way of cultivation and harvesting operations.
Covered drains, under drains or blind ditches are water passageways made of brush, poles, stones, tiles, etc. ([Figs. 80-81]), placed in the bottoms of ditches and then covered with soil.