Waterlogging

Constraint - Waterlogging

Symptoms

• Decreased germination in waterlogged areas
• Chlorosis of older leaves
• Reduced growth/stunting of plants
• Poor root development
• Plant death if waterlogging is prolonged

Damage

• Yield can be reduced due to stunted plants or decreased germination
• In severely waterlogged soils, large areas of crop can be completely lost

Control

The adoption of raised beds and controlled traffic systems, as well as underground and surface drainage systems can be very effective if implemented correctly. Choosing more tolerant crops, planting early, and using long season varieties, as well as increasing seeding rate and controlling weeds can also be effective control methods if the problem is not severe.

Links and Resources

CSIRO - Unravelling the roots of waterlogged wheat 2 page PDF. Introduction, wheat returns, trials in glasshouse, root growth, N loss, varietal differences, and future research. Published 2007.

DEPI VIC - Waterlogging in wheat What is waterlogging, causes and effects of waterlogging, where does it occur, and management. Page last updated 2013.

GRDC - Ground cover supplement, Water use efficiency 20 page PDF. Increasing water use efficiency by benchmarking, break crops, controlling summer weeds, early sowing, wider row spacing, timing of irrigation, etc. Published 2013.