drooggelegd

Drooggelegd is a Dutch term meaning dried out or drained. It refers to land from which water has been removed to expose dry soil suitable for agriculture, habitation, or development. The word is commonly used in the context of polders—areas in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium reclaimed from seas, rivers, or wetlands—where land creation depended on lowering the water table through drainage works.

The process of droogleggen involves water management infrastructure such as dikes, canals, sluices, and pumping systems. Historically, wind-powered pumps were used to remove water, while modern drainage relies on electric pumps and automated controls. The goal is to maintain a stable, low water table that keeps the soil dry enough for use, while managing risks of subsidence and salinization, especially in coastal regions.

Areas that have been drooggelegd require ongoing water management to cope with rainfall, groundwater fluctuations, and sea‑level rise. Soil type influences drainage needs: peat soils may shrink after drainage, while mineral soils can be prone to subsidence if drainage is excessive. The designation drooggelegd emphasizes the intentional transformation of wetlands or flooded land into usable space, a cornerstone of Dutch land reclamation and land-use planning.

See also: polder, water management, drainage.