Comparing alternative conceptual models for tile drains and soil heterogeneity for the simulation of tile drainage in agricultural catchments

•The seepage node concept was used to simulate tile drainage at the catchment scale.•Tile drainage was simulated without the specific location of tile drains.•Similar drainage discharge volumes were simulated with different conceptual models.•Drainage discharge was sensitive to soil heterogeneity.•Observed stream discharge and depth to water table were well simulated.