Study on the technique and effect of controlled drainage through the main drainage ditch

Using main ditch for farmland drainage is a basic measure to solve waterlogging problem in Huaibei Plain of Auhui Province. However, uncontrolled drainage often results in serious waste of water resources. In the present study, we established two experimental zones (Bazhang Ditch, Chezhe Ditch) with the total area 218km2. Based on the field observations combined with theoretical simulation analysis, the key techniques were studied systematically such as the effect of main ditch control projects on farmland drainage, groundwater depth, rainfall-runoff and groundwater resources regulation in the two zones. The results show that the controlled drainage of main ditch could regulate groundwater depth and increase the groundwater utilization, improving farmland ecological environment and regulating water resources allocation in time and space. In addition, it didn’t influence the farmland drainage. This technique has been widely applied in Huaibei Plain and achieved good social, economic and environmental benefits. It can be used as a reference for the construction of control drainage project and regulation of farmland water resources in similar areas.