Water Logging

Over saturation of soil with water is called water logging. If for any reason, the water-table rises close to the ground surface it is bad for plants and soil fertility. Under water-logged conditions the air in the soil pores is replaced by water creating anaerobic conditions in the soil. Plant roots and aerobic soil biota will perish in oxygen deficient conditions and soil fertility will be lost.

Rising of water-table upto the root zone affects plant growth adversely. When the watertable is near or just below the root zone, water rises upto the soil surface though capillary action. Water evaporates from the soil leaving behind the dissolved salts at the surface soil making it saline (Figure shown below). Unless the salts are somehow washed away or washed down, the soil remains too saline; to grow crops. It is important to prevent excessive irrigation and provide appropriate drainage facilities to prevent rising of water-table.