Punjab experienced one its worst floods in recent memory this year. All 23 districts were flood-affected, and some two lakh hectares of cultivable farmland experienced flooding and waterlogging.Ahead of the wheat-sowing season, this has led to questions being raised about soil fertility, and the impact of the floods on Punjab’s agricultural productivity. But while the situation appeared to be grim, experts say that fertility-loss may not be as severe as initially feared — provided timely recovery steps are taken.Erosion & silt deposits: twofold problemHow do floods affect soil?There is no simple answer to this question; the exact impacts vary depending on the kind of flooding, duration, nature of the soil, among other things. But broadly, two kinds of flood impacts can be observed.The first is erosion: floodwaters strip away enriched topsoil that farmers have spent time and resources to improve. Topsoil contains vital elements such phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon crucial for nurturing crops.Also Read | In Punjab floods 2025, a 1988 redux: How man-made activities worsened natural calamities over the yearsThe second is depositing of silt: floods bring with them deposits of silt which have covered the topsoil in many parts of Punjab, particularly areas located close to riverbanks or on river beds which are among the most fertile.That said, not all silt is “bad”. Flooding can also bring fertile alluvial silt which enhances soil productivity. Historically, many farmers with fields close to rivers have benefitted from natural replenishment due to floodwaters; the same is true this year.Story continues below this ad“If silt is too thick, it can block root growth and reduce microbial activity. But if it is of fine texture and not overly deep, it may improve soil structure,” said one soil expert. “Either way, once the silt is removed or properly mixed into the soil, fertility levels can be brought back to normal.”Prolonged waterlogging may also lead to soil compaction, and affect soil aeration and the nutrient balance: all factors that harm productivity.Results of latest soil sampling in PunjabSoil sampling by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, across half a dozen flood-affected districts shows that while the floods have affected the soil in some places, the situation is manageable.Waterlogging has led to leaching of nutrients like nitrogen and a temporary imbalance in soil pH. In areas where the topsoil was eroded, nutrient contents have reduced. But experts insist this can be corrected through deep ploughing, fertilisation based on soil test results, and organic amendments.Story continues below this adOverall, the tests confirm that with proper restoration efforts, fertility levels can be maintained. The university and other institutions are encouraging farmers to conduct individual soil tests before applying fertilisers for the next season.PAU Vice Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal remarked that the floods may have disrupted the current and upcoming cropping cycles, but timely soil management can turn the setback into an opportunity. With coordinated testing, targeted nutrient management and community-level extension support, PAU aims to help farmers rebuild the fertility and resilience of Punjab’s affected farmlands.Recovery strategies: managing silt, levelling fieldsThe recovery strategy depends on the depth of silt and type of soil.In fields where silt is around two to three inches deep, normal ploughing is sufficient to mix it with native soil. In lighter soils, silt layers up to nine inches can be managed with deep chiselling.Story continues below this adHowever, in heavy soils, where deeper deposits affect root penetration, it is advised to remove the silt mechanically or manually, said soil and agriculture experts Dr Chandra Mohan and Dr U S Walia of the PAU, and Dr Rajiv Gupta of Lovely Professional University.Must Read | Explained: Why Punjab keeps floodingThe use of compost or organic matter is also advised to restore soil texture. Most importantly, experts stress that early intervention will allow farmers to prepare their fields in time for the rabi crop cycle. Farmers are also encouraged to remain vigilant about weeds introduced by floodwaters, and undertake timely control measures.The Punjab government has announced that farmers can sell the sand or silt accumulated on their land under the policy ‘Jisda Khet Usdi Ret’ (literally, “the sand/silt belongs to the field’s owner’). This measure is particularly useful where sand deposition is heavy enough to interfere with cultivation. Farmers can clear their fields soon without waiting for any environmental clearances, and recover some income by selling the material.In Sultanpur Lodhi, more than 100 tractors are already removing silt and sand from the fields to prepare them for cultivation.Story continues below this adReturn to normal cycles this rabi season?Agricultural experts believe that most farmers can resume their crop cycles on schedule in areas where silt deposits are not heavy. Even if the deposits are heavy, prompt action can allow farmers to meet the normal cycles.For wheat, which is typically sown from late October to November 20, timely field preparation is key. In areas with adequate residual moisture due to the flooding, sowing can proceed without pre-irrigation. In low-lying or still-wet fields, bed planting of wheat or transplanting gobhi and sarson seedlings is a feasible option.Where fields were ready by September, short-duration crops like toria, potato, or maize can be cultivated before wheat. For fodder needs, combinations like maize with cowpea or sorghum with cowpea are recommended. This approach not only recovers lost time but also ensures effective land utilisation through the winter.While the floods have disrupted the agricultural rhythm in heavy silt and eroded land areas, Punjab’s farmers have faced similar situations before and recovered. With the combined efforts of farmers, scientists, and government support, the land can be restored and put back into productive use without long-term fertility loss.