A Global Meta-Analysis Dataset Comparing Controlled Drainage (CD) and Controlled Drainage with Sub-Irrigation (CDSI) Against Free Drainage (FD)

This dataset compiles 1,788 paired site-year observations derived from 83 publications across 52 sites globally (up to May 2024). It provides a comprehensive examination of the impacts of controlled drainage (CD) and controlled drainage with sub-irrigation (CDSI) compared to conventional free drainage (FD). The data capture various environmental and agronomic outcomes, including subsurface drainage volumes, nitrate and phosphorus losses, crop yields, and greenhouse gas emissions. Accompanying metadata—covering agronomic practices, drainage system designs, soil characteristics, and climate information—enable thorough meta-analysis and secondary research on water management strategies in agriculture. Please cite the published paper when using the data (DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2025.109833).