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Dept. of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
DRAINMOD

About

Transforming Water Management for Agriculture and Wetlands

DRAINMOD is a computer simulation model created by Dr. Wayne Skaggs at North Carolina State University in 1980. This powerful tool models the hydrology of poorly drained soils with high water tables, simulating water movement on an hour-by-hour, day-by-day basis over long periods—up to 50 years. DRAINMOD predicts the impact of drainage and water management practices on water table depths, soil water conditions, and crop yields, helping farmers optimize their operations and improve productivity.

Over the years, DRAINMOD has proven indispensable in analyzing wetland hydrology, evaluating drainage systems, and determining their suitability for wastewater treatment. It has been successfully applied across various geographic regions and soil types. In the last two decades, its capabilities have expanded to assess the effects of drainage practices not only on agriculture but also on the water quality of forested lands, both on the field and watershed scale.

The latest release, DRAINMOD 6.0, takes it to the next level. It integrates the original hydrology model with advanced sub-models for nitrogen (DRAINMOD-N) and salinity (DRAINMOD-S), offering a comprehensive Windows-based program. The new graphical user interface makes it easier than ever to prepare data, run simulations, and analyze results. With DRAINMOD 6.0, users can evaluate the impact of different drainage designs on subsurface drainage, surface runoff, crop yield, and nitrogen loss. The interface even allows users to automatically adjust drainage design parameters, visualize outcomes, and incorporate runoff volumes from surrounding areas into their water balance.

Additionally, DRAINMOD 6.0 includes soil temperature modeling and takes into account the effects of freezing and thawing on drainage processes, making it more adaptable to varying climates and conditions.

Our Mission:

To develop innovative methods for managing poorly drained soils, ensuring they can sustain food and fiber production while preserving environmental quality for future generations.

DRAINMOD is more than just a model—it’s a comprehensive solution that empowers farmers, land managers, and environmentalists to make informed decisions for the health of our lands and waters.