In irrigated arid and semi-arid regions the drainage is, frequently, necessary to prevent the waterlogging of the soil and to control the salinity. One of the main obstacles in the installation of a subsurface drainage system is the high cost of the initial investment. Thus, some contribution that reduces the cost of the installation of the drains and also of the material used is highly advantageous. The objective of this research was to evaluate, under laboratory conditions, the hydraulic performance of the drainage system constituted by smooth PVC tube used for sewer with 50.0 mm of nominal diameter and open area of 23.0 cm² m-1 and different types of envelopes, as an alternative material for subsurface drainage. The performance of the smooth PVC tube demonstrated that this material is technically viable for agricultural drainage principally when used with single stones as envelope.
drain; entrance resistance; envelope
