Probably Our Last Field Project of the Year

So what is Tim doing in that hole? Well recall last week we were installing our leaching test site, and last Monday we connected the tile line to the collection wells. It was important to accurately place the hole for the connector pipe, so first we measured the depth of the tile at the end of the hole. To do this we used a surveyor's transit. It was kind of fun, if you're into that sort of thing.

Then we added a quarter of an inch to the depth at the end of the tile, and made a mark on the well. This also was done using the transit. We wanted the depth at the well deeper than at the end of the tile so that the water will flow downhill into the well. It's easier that way compered to flowing uphill. (This will all be clear in a minute.) Here Phil marks where the top of the hole will be.

After all of the wells were marked, Phil drilled the holes in the wells with a hole saw.

Then the pipe that was connected to the tile was inserted into the well. Here is the view from the top of the well.

Then Tim applies a bead of silicone around the hole to keep water out.

Back at the other end of the pit, the pipe is connected to the tile. Recall that the wells are 15 feet from the end of the plot in order to maneuver the equipment, like the planter and sidedress rig. We didn't want any fertilizer from in the alley outside the plot to get into the well, so we used PVC pipe from the end of the tile to the well itself. Clever, huh?

Here is a look at the whole thing. There were 16 of these, so it was a busy day!

We finished just before dark, which happens around 5 pm now, and Doug filled in the holes. So they will rest now until next season. They will need the rest as they will be busy then.

We knew we had to get it all done on Monday as the forecast was for rain that night. And the forecast was correct as it rained that night and Tuesday, and then snowed today. So I suspect that will be the last field project of the year. And what a year it was. It is all outlined in this blog going back to planting in May. Not sure what will be posted here from now on, but check back from time to time, you never know. Thanks for looking in on us. HH.