Prevent, minimize and mitigate soil salinization and alkalinization.

 

Salinization is the accumulation of water-soluble salts of sodium, magnesium and calcium in the soil. It is the consequence of high evapotranspiration rates, inland sea water intrusion, and human-induced (e.g. improper irrigation) processes. Salinization reduces crop yields and, above certain thresholds, completely eliminates crop production. • Surface cover should be optimized to reduce evaporation losses; • Efficiency of irrigation water use should be increased through improved conveyance, • distribution, and field application methods. Application methods should be used that operate with low pressure and apply the water directly to the soil. Automization of water supply and application of water on top of crops should be avoided to reduce evaporation losses; • Irrigation management should ensure sufficient water for plant growth and efficient drainage to avoid problems of salinization; • Irrigation water quality should be tested and monitored; when feasible, water desalinization should be performed; • Surface and sub-surface drainage systems should be installed and maintained to control rising groundwater tables and control soil salinity. The design of these systems needs to be based on a thorough understanding of the water balance in these areas; and • If soils are already degraded and prevention is no longer an option, reclamation of saline soils can be achieved using a variety of techniques such as direct leaching of salts, planting salt tolerant varieties, domestication of native wild halophytes for use in agropastoral systems, chemical amelioration and the use of organic amendments.