Waterlogging

Constraint - Waterlogging

Symptoms

• Affected plants show purple-red to yellow leaf colouring
• Plant lodging and early death in waterlogging prone areas
• Prolonged waterlogging causes root death and greater susceptibility to root disease

Damage

• Seedlings and mature plants can die from waterlogging
• Surviving plants can show reduced yield
• Yield penalty can be severe depending on the magnitude of the area affected

Management

Sow as early as possible with a higher seeding rate. Apply adequate nitrogen, and avoid sowing at greater than 2.5 cm deep. Consider carefully soil type, topography, and history of waterlogging when choosing which paddocks to sow to canola. Engineering solutions such as drainage and raised beds may be possible but must be assessed on a site by site basis.

Links and Resources

AOF - Waterlogging Description, contributing factors, damage, and management.

DAFWA - Waterlogging canola Introduction, what to look for in paddock and plant, what else it could be, where does it occur, management strategies, and monitoring. Page last updated 2014.

GRDC - Best Practice Management Guide. Waterlogging Page 18. Canola tolerance to waterlogging, as well as soil types that carry the most risk. Published 2009.