Sustainable agricultural management of saline soils in arid and semi-arid Mediterranean regions through halophytes, microbial and soil-based technologies

Abstract

Soil salinization is an important global issue since marginal salt-affected soils have harmful consequences in agriculture and ecosystems. This article reviews different sustainable strategies adopted for marginal soil reclamation in Mediterranean climates. An innovative approach to soil salinity management includes a wide range of technologies, such as: phytoremediation, phytodesalination, vegetative bioremediation, amendments application and Technosols as well as inoculation with beneficial microorganisms like plant growth promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Besides that, the role of Mediterranean halophyte crops in accelerating salt-affected area’s recovery while providing food and feed, and beneficial halophilic microorganisms for new bioinoculant production, are discussed. We conclude that the combined use of plant, soil- and microbial-based technologies is a valuable option to relieve saline stress exposure and improve crops growth and yield in saline conditions.