Improving Drainage with Laser Controlled Land Grading in the Red River Valley of the North

by Steven Edwardson, NDSU, Fargo, ND, USA,
David Watt, NDSU, Fargo, ND, USA,
Lowell Disrud, NDSU, Fargo, ND, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Steel Structures

Abstract:

This paper evaluates a laser controlled land grading project in the Red River Valley of the North. Graded fields are compared with ungraded fields to measure changes in dryland crop yields due to better drainage. Cut and fill areas are studied in graded fields to evaluate the effect of grading on nutrient levels and crop uniformity. Potential cut and fill areas of an ungraded field are evaluated for comparison. The method of evaluating the benefits and costs of laser controlled land grading is described and demonstrated to provide researchers with prototype criteria for evaluation of the economic feasibility of similar projects. Particular attention is given to the costs of laser controlled land grading. Recommendations are also made for crop management practices on laser graded fields.

Subject Headings: Lasers | Crops | Land surveys | Rivers and streams | Surface drainage | Soil surveys | Soil analysis

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