Water logging

The condition of soil when it becomes 100% saturated with water and becomes unfit for the growth of plants is called water logging. In such soils, the space between the soil particles is occupied by water instead of air.

Reasons of Water Logging

1. Rainfall:
After heavy rainfall, rain water percolates down the pores between the soil particles under the action of gravity and finally reaches the aquifer which causes the water table to rise towards the soil surface. During rainy season, the upper layers of soil become highly saturated with water.


2. Floods:
After heavy rainfall, the flood water spreads on the surface of the soil in the plains. Due to inappropriate drainage system, this water percolates in soil and raise the water table which ultimately results in water logging.


3. Poor Water Management:
Sometimes farmers use their land unscientifically. They have been depending on excessive irrigation in cultivating certain crops. Excessive irrigation and lack of adequate drainage system cause increase in water logging.


4. Seepage from Canals:
The canals are constructed in such a way that the water level in them is much above the surface of the soil to be irrigated. This level of water is maintained for smooth flow of water from canals to the distributaries and finally to the field. The canal water percolates outward to neighboring soil by seepage and is then infiltrated down to the water table. It results in the increase of water logging.


4. By breaking hardpan at a canal bed:
During cleaning season, the digging of canals breaks down the hardpan of the soil at canal bed. It also enhances the seepage of water to adjacent soil and results in water logging.


5. Railway lines/Roads:
The construction of railway lines and roads and other development schemes in the flood plains has interrupted the passage of runoff water at many places. The water remains collected in ponds especially in rainy season. This water percolates into the soil and raises water table.