What is Water Logging and its Effect?

Many people are affected by the problem of water logging, especially during monsoon season.

Around 86 percent of the surveyed people were affected by this problem, based on the Statista reports. We don’t think much about the water logs until they become a serious problem.

It can affect our daily lives, environment, and even the economy. It is because of the inability of the water to escape from certain areas, leading to various challenges.

It is also why the water remains in many areas even after the rain stops. That is why this article will explore about what water logging is and its effects.

It is also why the water remains in many areas even after the rain stops. That is why this article will explore about what water logging is and its effects.

What is Water Logging?

Water logging causes many problems, but what is it exactly? The soil becomes saturated when there is an excessive amount of water, leading to water logs.

Whether heavy rainfall or poor drainage system, it can happen because of many reasons.

It also affects plant growth and soil fertility because the soil can not absorb the water as it should due to the water logging. It is because the soil gets filled with water that it becomes too much for it to absorb and drain.

The plant growth is affected because the waterlogged soil prevents the oxygen from reaching the plant roots. It also washes away the nutrients of the soil. Overall, it impacts the soil quality and plant growth.

Causes of Water Logging

Water logging is caused for many reasons. However, the natural causes and human-induced are the primary factors of water logs. Let’s learn about them in detail.

Natural Causes

The nature can be the cause of the waterlogging. Heavy rainfall makes it difficult for the soil to absorb water by overwhelming its capacity.

Soil finds it challenging to drain water with low permeability or compacted structures. Water logs also occur when the water is pushed up into the soil profile because of a high water table.

Human-Induced Causes

Not only nature but humans are also one of the factors that lead to water logging. Excessive irrigation is the first reason. It also saturate the soil’s ability to absorb water.

Another reason that affects the soil’s ability is deforestation. Many don’t clean their drainage system regularly, leading to poor drainage systems. It causes blockages in the system that prevent water from draining.

The construction of infrastructures, like roads and buildings leaves no space for rainwater to go anywhere, leading to water logs.

Types of Water Logging

Different kinds of waterlogging might have different effects, different areas and systems. Its types include-

1) Surface Water Logging

This type of water logging is visible to you. It occurs when rainwater or floodwater gathers on the surface of the land. It happens because of poor drainage or insufficient slope.

However, this type is due to short-term events and gets resolved because the excessive water gets drained out on its own. It can cause inconvenience, but its effects are usually not severe.

2) Subsurface Water Logging

Subsurface water logging is the type of waterlogging that occurs below the surface. Water accumulates beneath the surface due to poor drainage in the soil.

It also affects the crops by preventing the oxygen from reaching their roots. It happens because of factors like poor drainage, high water tables, or excessive irrigation.

It has lasting consequences and severely impacts plant growth, soil fertility, and ecosystem health.

3) Groundwater Water Logging

As the name suggests, it rises on the groundwater levels of the surface. It can happen because of heavy rainfall or poor drainage.

As mentioned above, the soil is saturated and can’t absorb more water. It leads to spillover into the surface.

Effects of Water Logging

We know how water-logging occurs, but how does it affect the environment and human activities? Some of the key effects include-

1) Soil Degradation

Agriculture is the first aspect that gets affected due to water logs. Waterlogged soil deprives plant roots of oxygen and nutrients, affecting their functions.

The harmful microorganisms also occur due to excessive moisture, causing root rot or stunted growth. Waterlogging can harm soil fertility by washing away the nutrients away from it.

Soil erosion is another way that affects agriculture by making the soil saturated. It doesn’t allow them to absorb additional water, leading to increased erosion.

2) Impact on Crop Yield

It is a fact that your crops can’t grow well in the waterlogged fields. It leads to various consequences, such as stunted growth, reduced production, or destroy a season’s yield. It causes a lot of financial loss to the farmers.

3) Long-Term Soil Fertility Issues

Water logging causes long-term damage to soil health. The soil structure also changes, leading to reduced fertility. It takes time or years for the soil to recover its health and quality.

4) Ecological Effects

Water logs also affect natural habitats and lead to a decline in biodiversity. It is also one of the reasons for water pollution, as waterlogging contaminates the water bodies.

5) Infrastructure Effects

Water logging causes structural damage by affecting the foundation of buildings and other structures.

It leads to public health concerns, as the water logs become the breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. It can increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

Health Hazards Due to Water Logging

Waterlogging leads to various health hazards for both humans and animals.

• Spread of Waterborne Diseases: Various diseases like cholera and dysentery occur because of standing water. The contaminated water sources are known to spread quickly in water-logged areas, leading to increased health risks.
  
  
• Mosquito Breeding Grounds: As you know, the stagnant water is the breeding ground for mosquitoes. It leads to various diseases like malaria and dengue, increasing the chances of health issues.

• Respiratory and Skin Problems: Respiratory issues like allergies, asthma, and bronchitis can be triggered due to exposure to mold and mildew, as they usually thrive in damp environments. It can also lead to skin infections when contaminated water or soil comes into contact.

How to Prevent Water Logging?

Waterlogging can be prevented by implementing some measures and strategies like-

• Use proper and efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation or sprinkler systems to avoid excessive irrigation. The soil structure and drainage can be improved by rotating crops.
  
• Installing or improving drainage systems like channels or water pipes can help remove excess water. Use permeable surfaces for driveways or walkways as it will help infiltrate the soil. Plant more trees to help absorb rainwater. 
  
• Implement stormwater management practices or incorporate green infrastructure elements like green roofs and walls into urban planning.
  
• The soil drainage can be improved if the subsurface drainage systems are installed. Removing excess water using a pumping system can also be helpful.
  
• Educating the community about the problems of water logging and the importance of water conservation can also help with the water logs problem. 
• Avoid using alkaline water for irrigation purposes.

Bottom Line

Water logging is a problem of many and affects various aspects and communities. From damaging agriculture to human health, its effects are far-reaching.

Natural and human-induced factors are the causes of water logs. The effects of water logs are soil degradation, impact on crop yield, soil fertility issues, infrastructure effects, and many more.

It also affects your health due to the mosquitoes and waterborne diseases, which occur because of waterlogging. However, some preventive measures can be applied to prevent water logging and its effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is the main cause of water logging?

Ans The main causes of water logging are poor drainage systems, excessive rainfall, and human activities like over-irrigation and urbanization.

Q2 Can water logging be prevented?

Ans Yes, water logging can be prevented through improved drainage, sustainable agricultural practices, and better urban planning.

Q3 What are the long-term solutions to water logging?

Ans The long-term solutions to water logging include upgrading infrastructure and using smart drainage systems.

Q4 What are the disadvantages of water logging?

Ans The disadvantages of water logging include soil erosion, plant growth issues, waterborne diseases, foul smell, soil quality issues, and many more.