Productivity enhancement of salt‐affected environments through crop diversification

TLDR

The growing need for food and fibre, combined with the fact that at least 20 % of irrigated land is salt‑affected, has made effective use of saline soils and waters a priority, yet salinity and sodicity have historically reduced productivity and sustainability. This review aims to synthesize knowledge on salinity tolerances and showcase crop‑diversification strategies to enhance productivity on salt‑affected lands. The authors evaluate plant tolerances, assess crop‑diversification options, and identify key considerations—productivity gains, environmental protection, and farmer participation—to guide sustainable management. The review identifies a diverse portfolio of profitable crops—including field crops, forage grasses, shrubs, aromatic and medicinal species, bio‑fuel crops, and fruit trees—that are suitable for various salt‑affected environments. © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract Recent trends and future demographic projections suggest that the need to produce more food and fibre will necessitate effective utilization of salt‐affected land and saline water resources. Currently at least 20 per cent of the world's irrigated land is salt affected and/or irrigated with waters containing elevated levels of salts. Several major irrigation schemes have suffered from the problems of salinity and sodicity, reducing their agricultural productivity and sustainability. Productivity enhancement of salt‐affected land and saline water resources through crop‐based management has the potential to transform them from environmental burdens into economic opportunities. Research efforts have led to the identification of a number of field crops, forage grasses and shrubs, aromatic and medicinal species, bio‐fuel crops, and fruit tree and agroforestry systems, which are profitable and suit a variety of salt‐affected environments. Several of these species have agricultural significance in terms of their local utilization on the farm. Therefore, crop diversification systems based on salt‐tolerant plant species are likely to be the key to future agricultural and economic growth in regions where salt‐affected soils exist, saline drainage waters are generated, and/or saline aquifers are pumped for irrigation. However, such systems will need to consider three issues: improving the productivity per unit of salt‐affected land and saline water resources, protecting the environment and involving farmers in the most suitable and sustainable crop diversifying systems to mitigate any perceived risks. This review covers different aspects of salt‐affected land and saline water resources, synthesizes research knowledge on salinity/sodicity tolerances in different plant species, and highlights promising examples of crop diversification and management to improve and maximize benefits from these resources. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.