Water logged soil; impact on physical changes of soil, flooding chemistry of paddy soil and water table fluctuation

Abstract

Waterlogged soils are those soils in which the water table has attained such a level that soil pores in the root zone become saturated resulting in restriction of normal dissemination of air, decline in the level of O2 and increase in the level of COxsub. Waterlogging is a condition of soil in which excess of water limits gas diffusion. It subjects plants to the stresses of low light, limits gas diffusion, effusion of soil nutrients, mechanical damage, emission of green houses gaseous and increased susceptibility to pest and diseases. Thus growth and development of most plants except for rice and other wetland species are hindered under waterlogged conditions. Rice unlike other cereal crops can grow well in submerged fields and highly tolerant of excess water stress, from submergence. Water logging is excess water in the root zone accompanied by anaerobic conditions. Surface water logging affects daily life activities such as agriculture, transport, construction etc. Due to reduced bearing capacity, agricultural machinery cannot operate well in the fields. Water logging causes destruction of roads and structures due to reduced bearing capacity of waterlogged soil and uplift pressure.