Increased soil waterlogging
Impact
Soil waterlogging occurs when water enters the soil faster than it can drain away or groundwater levels rise to near the surface. This water fills most, or all, of the soil air spaces and creates anaerobic conditions that inhibit gas exchange with the atmosphere and limit plant growth. Waterlogging can be caused by excessive rainfall, irrigation or seepage and is worsened by inadequate drainage.
Suggested indicator: Plant available water content*
Increased soil waterlogging may be associated with:
| Potential associated impacts | Suggested indicators |
Drowning of vegetation roots, fungal disease and nitrogen deficiency through leaching, that leads to:
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| Soil nutrient loss through volatisation and leaching |
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| Reduced activity of soil biota |
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Soil structural decline that leads to:
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| Access problems for machinery and stock |
Last updated: 27 August 2008