LAND DRAINAGE COURSE ANNOUNCED

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) have announced they will host specialist land drainage training at Harper Adams on 4th February 2025 (with an extra date on 5th February if there is demand).

The course is aimed at all those practically involved in agricultural or sports drainage, or those wishing to gain a greater understanding of land drainage.

Land drainage is the building block of productive, sustainable farming. It is also a vital element in many sporting events to ensure pitches and grounds remain playable in adverse weather. "However," said the NAAC in a statement, "we need to challenge the devastating impacts of climate change by looking how to offset increases in rainfall with appropriate water management systems. The past year has highlighted the vital importance of well drained land, showing the positive impact on trafficability, crop growth and yields."

They continued, "However, getting drainage planning right is essential as clearly water doesn’t travel uphill and this course helps delegates understand the movement of water and the dynamics of land drainage to ensure the land can store and utilise water to maximum effect for sustainable land management.

"Installation of land drainage requires significant capital investment, and it is important that systems are installed by trained operators who understand the principles of water movement and the technology involved to ensure land managers gain maximum benefit."

The course will be presented by land drainage experts including:

• Professor Dick Godwin and Dr Paula Misiewicz from Harper Adams who will take on the principles of water, soil and drainage
• Rob Donald, Sports and Spaces, covering sports turf drainage
• Fred Clarke from Mastenbroek, talking through the latest machinery, technology and drainage design.