Economic analysis of the controlled drainage with sub-irrigation system: a case study of grain-producing farms in Quebec and Ontario

Abstract Water table management is a recommended practice to maintain crop production in Eastern Canada. Grain corn is highly susceptible under climate change and adoption of better management practices is almost a necessity. Use of controlled drainage with sub-irrigation is one of the practices recommended. A major question is whether farmers would adopt this practice. Since adoption of new practices often depend on their impact on farm net returns, an economic analysis of controlled drainage with sub-irrigation was undertaken. Results suggest that on grain producing farms, this technology is only slightly superior to the baseline technology of conventional drainage system.