1




                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(1)

                                       58


   2



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
33-54064, 33-54066, 33-54096, 33-57746, 33-57748, 33-86654 and 33-20801 of
Layne Christensen Company on Form S-8 of our report dated March 7, 1997,
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Layne Christensen Company for
the year ended January 31, 1997.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
April 22, 1997

                                       59