Depth, Spacing and Length of Mole Drains with Applications to Afforestation

The draught of a mole plough and the spacings of mole drains for soil loosening and control of the groundwater table were calculated from theory and compared with measured values in two gley soils with stratification. The stability of mole channels against loads on the soil surface was also consider...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Irish journal of agricultural and food research 1998-06, Vol.37 (1), p.39-49
Main Author: Mulqueen, J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural and forest climatology and meteorology. Irrigation. Drainage
Agricultural soils
Agrology
Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions
Biological and medical sciences
Clay soils
Drains
Forest soils
Forestry
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General agronomy. Plant production
Gravelly soils
Irrigation. Drainage
Plows
Soil depth
Soil hydraulic properties
Soil tillage. Irrigation. Drainage
Soil water
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Summary:The draught of a mole plough and the spacings of mole drains for soil loosening and control of the groundwater table were calculated from theory and compared with measured values in two gley soils with stratification. The stability of mole channels against loads on the soil surface was also considered. There was good agreement between calculated and measured values of draught and drain spacing. Maximum measured draughts of the mole plough were low, in the range 30 to 40 kN. Mole drain spacing for soil loosening and control of the watertable was similar at about 1 m apart; this spacing conforms with tree planting practice in rows 2 m apart. The depth at which mole drains are drawn should be related to the soil profile. Surcharge loads from machinery are unlikely to cause roof failure of mole channels in soils with significant friction. The results are discussed in relation to the role of mole drainage in the prevention of windthrow in forests on gley soils and in particular to the need for soil loosening for effective drainage. Practical aspects of the installation of mole drains on gley soils in relation to slope, mole length and stability, erosion and ageing of the mole channels are considered. Further research is required on the effects of closure of the mole channel in some soils over time on watertable control and tree stability.
ISSN:0791-6833
2009-9029