Soils collected from paddy fields were kept in a waterlogged condition in glass cylinders with and without drainage. After about 2 months of waterlogging soil samples were collected from each cm. depths of the cylinders, both from the bright and dark sides of the cylinders. The soil samples were analysed for iron, manganese and phosphorus. At the beginning these elements were uniformly distributed throughout the entire soil depth, but as a result of waterlogging a distribution pattern developed. More of these elements concentrated on the surface and illuminated sides of the cylinders. It is assumed that such a phenomenon also occurs in the paddy field. These elements by concentrating on the soil surface limit the feeding zones to the top 3–5 cm. of the soil.