Waterlogging
Waterlogging
Common name
Waterlogging
Badly-drained soil
Causal agent
Waterlogging is a physiological disorder caused by slow-draining soil. Sandy-loam soil is at a higher risk of waterlogging since it cannot drain the water effectively, resulting in inadequate oxygen availability.
Symptoms & Signs
The first symptoms appear on the leaves as chlorotic, brown spots between the veins or along the midrib. Even though water is abundant, the plant still shows signs of wilting since there is not enough oxygen to carry out physiological processes. Another characteristic feature of waterlogging is root rot, with bluish-black roots and a foul smell. It inhibits the uptake of essential nutrients from the soil, such as nitrogen, potassium, zinc, and iron. Shoot dieback and bark peeling are also seen in some plants. In severe cases, the plants do not sprout, become stunted, and eventually die.
Time of concern
Winter and summer
Common hosts
Lettuce
Cotton
Tomato
Potato
Dahlias