What is salinization of soil? One of the most important soil issues for agricultural output is soil salinization. The term salinization describes the degree of salinity that impacts the health of agriculture and the environment. In dry regions, where soluble salt ions build up in the soil, soil salinization often takes place. The evaporation and transpiration processes leave salt in the soil in these regions where plant development need irrigation. Salts will first decrease crop yields and lower soil productivity. The plants and soil microorganisms die as the salt concentration rises. therefore, the very productive land would become totally barren. Why does salinization of soil happen? The quantity of salt in the soil rises as a result of many factors: The quality and amount of irrigation water Soil salt content is influenced by the overall quantity of dissolved salt in irrigated water as well as its composition. The soil’s salinity will approach the irrigation water’s salt content as you irrigate more. The content of salt in the soil will rise when it is dry.Furthermore, inadequate soil drainage results in reduced permeability, causing salt to build up on the soil’s surface. composition of fertilizer Certain fertilizers include high concentrations of salts that might be dangerous, including ammonium sulfate or potassium chloride. The overuse and misuse of fertilizer causes the soil’s salinity to rise. high transpiration and evaporation in dry regions; cultivate high water-consuming crops; these plants use capillary action to draw water up from the earth via their roots, causing salt buildup. How do plants and soil react to salinization? poor agricultural production, poor economic return, and soil erosion are some of the effects of salinity. In saline soils, sodium takes the place of calcium and magnesium, which reduces soil particle agglomeration and encourages soil to scatter. Soil’s ability to absorb water decreases as it becomes moist. Sodic soil tends to break as it becomes hard and dry. Salinity has an impact on almost every step of a plant’s development process. 1. Osmotic pressure As salinity rises, this is the main reason why plant growth and yield are decreased. This mechanism, which is regulated by the salt content of the soil water, transports water into the roots of plants. A high concentration of salts raises the osmotic potential of the soil solution, requiring more work from the plant in order for it to absorb water. Even when the surrounding soil is moist, plants may not be able to absorb water in situations of excessive salt and may wilt. 2. particular toxicity of ions Certain ions, especially chloride, are poisonous to plants; as their concentration rises, the plant becomes poisoned and perishes. As the saline level rises, the plant’s immunological response declines and symptoms such as necrosis, leaf burn, and stunted development become apparent. How may soil salinization be avoided? 1. regulate the amount of irrigation water Use the least amount of irrigation water possible while maintaining well-drained soil. 2. Plant crops resistant to salt If you are just starting out, this is one of the greatest strategies to address a salt issue in your soil. Plant cash crops that can withstand salt, including canola, sunflowers, and barley. They are not only drought-tolerant, but also able to withstand salt. 3. Clean soil The technique of irrigating a region with low-salt water to remove salt from below the root zone is known as flushing the soil. 4. Apply trichoderma-containing biofertilizers Through nitrogen fixation, the release of chemicals that regulate plant development, the biodegradation of organic materials in the soil, and other processes, trichoderma maintains the soil environment rich in most types of nutrients. Moreover, trichoderma reproduces quickly and is very adaptable in saline-alkaline soil. It’s a crucial technique for lowering the amount of salt in soil. and beneficial to the environment. Multiple solutions or combinations of the will be a better option for a variety of soil conditions. Further information on soil salinization may be found at https://www.doraagri.com/what-can-we-do-about-soil-salinization/