Waterlogging: A complete Guide to Negative Effects of Waterlogging

Introduction

Waterlogging is a condition where the soil becomes saturated with excess water, leaving little or no space for air in the root zone. As a result, plant roots cannot breathe, crop growth is restricted, and soil productivity declines. Water-logging is a serious problem in many agricultural regions, especially in countries like India, where irrigation plays a major role in farming. Poor drainage, over-irrigation, and canal seepage are some of the most common reasons behind this issue.

This article explains the causes of waterlogging, its harmful effects, and the control measures that engineers and farmers can adopt to prevent it.

What is Waterlogging?

According to Wikipedia, Waterlogging is a condition where the soil becomes full of water and does not have enough space for air. This usually happens when the water table rises very close to the ground surface. Because of this, plant roots cannot get oxygen, which is essential for their growth.

In short:

• Too much water in the soil = less air for roots.
• Crops cannot grow properly.
• Long-term waterlogging also damages soil fertility and increases salinity in the soil.

Types of Waterlogging

Waterlogging does not occur in the same way everywhere. Depending on how the excess water accumulates in the soil, it can be divided mainly into two types: Surface and Subsurface Water-logging.

Surface Waterlogging

Surface water-logging happens when excess rainwater or irrigation water collects on the land surface and cannot drain away. This is usually visible as standing water or puddles in fields for long periods.

Subsurface Waterlogging

Subsurface water-logging occurs below the ground surface when the groundwater table rises very close to the root zone. In this case, the top layer of soil may look dry, but excess moisture is present just below, which affects root respiration and crop growth

Signs and Symptoms of Waterlogging

To identify waterlogging in its early stage, farmers and engineers should look for certain visible and hidden signs in the field. These symptoms help in detecting whether the soil and crops are affected by excess water or poor drainage.

Yellowing of the Leaves of the plant

One of the first symptoms of waterlogging is the yellowing or pale color of leaves.
When the root zone lacks oxygen, plants cannot absorb nutrients properly, which results in yellow, wilted, or dull leaves.

Foul smell from the Soil

Waterlogged soil often gives off a bad or foul smell because of the decay of organic matter and the absence of air.
This happens due to the formation of gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide, indicating anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions in the soil.

Increased Weed and Pest Growth

Waterlogged conditions promote the growth of weeds, fungi, and certain pests.
Crops become weak and are easily attacked by insects or diseases, especially root and stem rots.

Cracks or Bubbles on the Soil Surface

In long-term waterlogging, gases formed underground try to escape through the surface.
This creates small cracks, bubbles, or muddy patches on the field, which are clear signs of poor drainage.

Factors Responsible for Waterlogging

1. Inadequate Surface Drainage
   When the land is poorly graded, surface water cannot move freely. If proper drainage channels are absent or blocked, rainwater and irrigation water collect on the soil surface, resulting in water-logging.
2. Seepage from Canals and Reservoirs
   Unlined or poorly maintained canals allow water to seep into the surrounding soil. Over time, this seepage raises the groundwater table and affects nearby agricultural fields.
3. Over-Irrigation
   Farmers often supply more water than crops actually need. This extra water percolates downwards and continuously raises the water table, creating conditions for waterlogging.
4. Obstruction of Natural Drainage
   Natural streams, small rivers, or wetlands act as natural drains. Encroachment, urbanization, or lack of maintenance can block these drainage paths, reducing the natural capacity to remove excess water.
5. High Rainfall with Low Infiltration
   In regions with heavy rainfall and soils having low infiltration capacity (like clayey soils), water accumulates on the surface and leads to waterlogging.
6. Soil and Topography Conditions
   Flat topography and fine-textured soils (such as clay) slow down water movement and prevent deep percolation, which contributes to waterlogging.

Effects of Waterlogging

1. On Soil

• Reduces soil aeration, making it unsuitable for root respiration.
• Increases salinity and alkalinity in long-term cases.
• Leads to loss of soil fertility and structure.

2. On Crops

• Roots rot due to a lack of oxygen, leading to stunted growth.
• Delayed sowing and poor germination in affected fields.
• Crop yield reduces drastically, sometimes leading to complete failure.

3. On Human and Environment

• Creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects, causing health issues.
• Damages infrastructure like roads and buildings due to water stagnation.
• Reduces land value and limits future agricultural productivity.

Control and Prevention of Waterlogging

1. Improving Surface Drainage
   Constructing proper surface drains and providing gentle land slopes help excess water to flow away.
2. Subsurface Drainage
   Installing underground drainage pipes removes excess groundwater and lowers the water table.
3. Canal Lining and Maintenance
   Lining canals with concrete or impermeable material reduces seepage losses and prevents surrounding areas from waterlogging.
4. Controlled Irrigation
   Modern irrigation techniques, such as sprinkler and drip irrigation, provide only the required amount of water, avoiding over-irrigation.
5. Crop Management
   Growing salt-tolerant and deep-rooted crops can reduce the negative impact of waterlogging. Crop rotation also helps in improving soil conditions.
6. Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Management
   Storing excess rainwater in tanks and ponds reduces surface accumulation and helps recharge groundwater in a controlled manner.

Please read our other Detailed articles related to Irrigation and Fluid Mechanics.

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Sprinkler Irrigation
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Irrigation
• Drip Irrigation
• Viscosity
• Surface Tension

Conclusion

Waterlogging is one of the most serious challenges in agriculture and land management. It not only affects crop growth but also damages soil structure, reduces fertility, and creates long-term environmental problems. The main reasons behind waterlogging are poor surface drainage, canal seepage, and over-irrigation — all of which can be controlled with proper planning and engineering solutions.

To prevent waterlogging, farmers and engineers must work together to improve drainage systems, adopt modern irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems, and plan crops according to soil and climatic conditions. Civil engineers play a vital role in designing subsurface drains, canal linings, and land grading systems that ensure balanced water flow and healthy soil.

FAQ on Waterlogging

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