Investigation of Waterlogged Land Area – A Case of Lithuania

The existing drainage infrastructure in Lithuania fails to ensure proper land drainage due to the inefficient or complete malfunctioning of drainage collectors and drains. In some areas, surface water runoff is inadequate, resulting in the inability to effectively utilize land, as land areas become waterlogged. This waterlogging leads to financial losses for farmers, as excess moisture reduces soil fertility. In some cases, the land becomes inaccessible or even abandoned due to these issues. This study analyzes waterlogged areas in Lithuania, with a focus on soil types, terrain features, and variations in the spatial extent of waterlogged regions. An analysis of orthophotographic maps from 1995 to 2023 was conducted to assess changes in waterlogging within the study sites. A forecast of future waterlogging trends was also developed. Additionally, field research was conducted during the 2020–2024 period, which involved evaluating waterlogged areas in selected locations. The findings suggest that soils most commonly become waterlogged due to a combination of factors, including granulometric composition (with clay and peat soils being the most susceptible), unsustainable human activities (such as topsoil compaction), excessive rainfall (as Lithuania is located in a region with a moisture surplus), the condition of drainage systems (72% of which are degraded), and land relief (with waterlogging primarily occurring in depressions, valleys, and saddles). Based on the research, a classification of waterlogged areas was created. Waterlogged land was grouped into three categories based on its suitability for agricultural use. Soils were also classified by their granulometric composition and likelihood of waterlogging.