Waterlogging: Definition, Causes, Effects and Types

It is defined as the productivity of cultivation, the land is decreased due to an increase in the water on the table in the land. The water table is increased and the root zone of the plants is full of water that can’t get the required energy from the plants so the production of the crops decreases.

Waterlogging is one of the big problems in irrigation engineering. Because due to this problem decreases the productivity of crops. The product of the crops decreases when the root zone of the plants gets flooded with water.

Definition of Water Logging

At the point when the conditions are made to such an extent that the yield root zone gets denied of legitimate air circulation because of the presence of exorbitant dampness or water content, the plot is supposed to be waterlogged. 

To make such conditions it isn’t generally essential that under groundwater table enter the harvest root zone. Once in a while regardless of whether the water table is beneath the root-zone profundity the slim water zone may stretch out in the root-zone profundity and make the airflow unimaginable by filling the pores in the dirt.

Causes of waterlogging

  • Intensive irrigation
  • Seepage from canal
  • Poor drainage systems
  • Seepage of water from adjoining highlands
  • Impervious obstruction
  • Soil Compaction
  • Inadequate natural drainage
  • Excessive rain or Flooding
  • Over-irrigation in agriculture
  • Submergence due to floods
  • Urbanization and impervious surfaces
  • The improper joining of the pipeline
  • Irregular topography or terrain

Effect of waterlogging

  • Decrease crop yields
  • Inadequate circulation of the air in the root zone of crops
  • Soil temperature decreases due full of water at the root zone
  • Delay in a cultivation operation
  • Increase of insects and misquotes
  • Growth of unwanted plants
  • The salinity of topsoil increase
  • Oxygen levels in the soil are low, which causes plant roots to suffocate
  • Growth and development of plant roots is reduced
  • Nutrient deficiency due to poor root function
  • Impairs water utilization by plants
  • Less nutrient uptake by plants
  • Decreased growth and poor growth
  • Outbreaks of pests and disease-causing germs
  • Soil erosion and loss of soil structure
  • Soil fertility decreased over time

Central Issues

Waterlogging happens when roots can’t breathe because of abundant water in the dirt profile. 

Water doesn’t need to show up on a superficial level for water logging to be a likely issue. 

Improving waste from the immersed enclosure can diminish the time frame at which the yield attaches are exposed to anaerobic conditions. 

While raised beds (see Raised Bed Cropping actuality sheet) are the most escalated the executive’s technique, they are additionally the best at improving waste. 

Waterlogged soils discharge expanded measures of nitrous oxide (N2and, an especially harmful ozone-depleting substance.

What are the types of Waterlogging?

There are major 6 types of waterlogging that occur in nature. here are the details of waterlogging:

Riverine Flood Waterlogging

Riverine flood waterlogging is a type of waterlogging that occurs as a result of overflowing rivers or streams during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

A river flood occurs when the water level of a river or stream exceeds its banks and submerges adjacent low-lying areas.

Heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, or a combination of both can contribute to increased river flows and flooding.

Factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and land use change can alter natural drainage patterns and increase the risk of river flooding.

Oceanic Flood Waterlogging 

“Sea flood Waterlogging” generally refers to the inundation of coastal areas due to sea flooding or storm surge. This type of flooding occurs when seawater overflows coastal lands, often during extreme weather events such as hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones.

This especially can happen when outrageous climates are influencing the seas, like typhoons and torrents. 

Occasional Waterlogging 

Now and then during the stormy seasons, spillover water may gather into the swamps and sorrows, prompting waterlogging.

Seasonal waterlogging occurs during specific seasons, typically associated with periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

In regions with distinct wet and dry seasons, waterlogging may be more prevalent during the wet season when precipitation exceeds the soil’s infiltration capacity.

Seasonal waterlogging can vary in intensity and duration depending on climatic factors, soil properties, and land use practices.

Perpetual Waterlogging 

This happens when profound water or marshes get water and the overflow and leakage water spreads onto adjoining lands, causing lasting water logging. 

Sub-soil Waterlogging 

Subsurface waterlogging occurs when water accumulates below the soil surface, usually due to impervious layers such as hardpan, clay, or bedrock, which restrict the downward movement of water.

It is another kind of waterlogging that happens when water tables ascend high, particularly during the blustery seasons, causing water logging.

High groundwater levels can also lead to subsurface inundation, especially in areas with poor natural drainage or where land has been extensively modified for agriculture or urban development.

The water table rises, saturates the soil profile, and inhibits root respiration and nutrient uptake.

Waterlogging can cause plant roots to rot, resulting in stunted growth and reduced yield.

Surface Waterlogging

Surface waterlogging increases the water content of the soil surface, preventing proper drainage. This can be due to heavy rainfall, poor soil structure, or inadequate drainage systems.

Water pools on the surface, saturating the topsoil and preventing air exchange with the roots.

Plant roots may be deprived of oxygen, causing suffocation and nutrient uptake.
Surface waterlogging can lead to soil erosion as excess water carries away topsoil, nutrients, and organic matter.

Settling waterlogging 

When there’s a problem with too much water gathering in one place, like after heavy rain. We need to think about how to get rid of it properly. There are different ways to do this. We can use simple methods like shallow ditches or wider ditches with gaps in between, or we can make raised beds to help the water flow away faster.

The best way to drain the water depends on how bad the problem is and what’s around. You can ask someone local for more help and advice on what to do.

Indications and causes

The absence of oxygen in the root zone of plants causes their root tissues to deteriorate. Generally, this happens from the tips of roots, and this makes roots show up as though they have been pruned. The result is that the plant’s development and improvement slowed down. On the off chance that the anaerobic conditions proceed for an impressive time, the plant, in the end, bites the dust. 

Regularly, waterlogged conditions don’t keep going long enough for the plant to bite the dust. When a water logging occasion has passed, plants recommence breathing. However long soil conditions are clammy, and the more seasoned roots near the surface permit the plant to endure. Notwithstanding, further water logging-prompted root pruning or potentially dry conditions may debilitate the plant to the degree that it will be inadequately gainful and may at last bite the dust. 

Numerous ranchers don’t understand that a site is waterlogged until water shows up on the dirt surface. Notwithstanding, by this stage, plant roots may as of now harmed and yield potentially seriously influenced.

Preventive measures for waterlogging

Prevention of waterlogging is the most important factor in irrigation engineering to increase the productivity of crops. The following are the main points to prevent waterlogging:

  • Implement proper drainage systems.
  • Regularly clean and maintain drainage channels, gutters, and culverts.
  • Construct retention ponds or reservoirs to hold excess water during heavy rainfall.
  • Implement green infrastructure such as permeable pavements and green roofs to absorb excess water.
  • Plant trees and vegetation to help absorb excess water and prevent soil erosion.
  • Avoid construction in flood-prone areas or elevate buildings above potential flood levels.
  • Create and enforce regulations regarding land use and construction to minimize waterlogging risks.
  • Introducing crop rotation.
  • Educate communities about proper waste disposal to prevent clogging of drainage systems.
  • Implement early warning systems to alert residents about potential flooding events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proactive measures like effective drainage systems and green infrastructure are important in combating waterlogging and safeguarding communities against its detrimental effects. I hope you like this informative article about waterlogging in irrigation engineering. Finally, you got the knowledge about the definition, causes, effectiveness of waterlogging, and preventive measures of waterlogging. If you like and help full this article please give me feedback. visit the blog for more engineering information.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.