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:
  • reduced ground and canopy cover
  • reduced productivity
  • vegetation death or composition change
Soil nutrient loss through volatilisation and leaching
  • Soil chemistry
Reduced activity of soil biota
  • Soil life
Soil structural decline that leads to:
  • increased potential for soil erosion in higher rainfall areas
  • Soil structure
  • Hillslope erosion
  • Gully erosion
  • Wind erosion
Access problems for machinery and stock    

+ Descriptions of indicators (PDF, 76K)* provides a brief description of each indicator including techniques and purpose.

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Last updated 7 September 2010

Land Manager's Monitoring Guide