Phys. Geog. Geom. 2026, 49(1): 7–14

https://doi.org/10.17721/phgg.2026.1/131.01

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Main Factors and Features of Waterlogging of Melioration Canals and Rivers within the Oster River Basin

Yurii M. Filonenko 

Mykola Gogol Nizhyn State University, St. Grafska, 2, Nizhyn, Chernihiv region, 16600, Ukraine

 

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive study of the main factors and features of the waterlogging of meliorative canals, tributaries and the Oster River bed within its basin, as well as determining the stages and consequences of this process for the functioning of meliorative systems and the natural environment.
Methods. The study is based on a combination of literary, cartographic and statistical methods with the results of our own field research conducted in 2022–2025. Route observations, morphological and morphometric analyses, photofixation, surveys of the local population, etc. were used. Mathematical methods and computer data processing were used to generalize the results.
Results. It was established that the waterlogging process has spread to a significant part of the meliorative canals, as well as to the tributaries of the Oster River and to certain sections of its bed. This is due to the combined effect of natural and anthropogenic factors. Natural factors include low or uneven slope of the channels, the presence of water-resistant rocks, climatic features, accumulation of silt and organic residues, the influence of hydrophilic vegetation and fauna. Among the anthropogenic factors, the most important ones are the destruction and improper maintenance of hydraulic structures, blocking of the drain, plowing of coastal strips, silting due to erosion, clogging and discharge of wastewater. The thickness of the silt layer was recorded at 0.4–0.8 m in most of the studied areas. Four main stages of the process were identified: silting of the bottom, overgrowth with underwater vegetation, formation of marsh groups, loss of hydraulic function.
Conclusions. The swamping of meliorative canals and rivers of the Oster basin is a progressive process that reduces the efficiency of drainage, worsens water quality, causes flooding and a decrease in soil fertility, as well as loss of biodiversity. At the same time, silt can be considered as a valuable resource for use as fertilizer and land reclamation. The results obtained can be used to develop measures to optimize the management of land reclamation systems in the region.

Keywords

waterlogging, factors, canal, reclamation system, river, silt, accumulation.

Received: January 13, 2026 / Accepted: March 25, 2026 / Published online: May 6, 2026