Nutrient Dynamics in Salt Affected Soils

Salt-affected soils are characterized by high electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and pH, calcareousness, low organic matter, low biological activity and poor physical conditions. In the problem of soil and water salinity is complicated by high sodicity. This is due to a high Na+: Ca2+ ratio which is present on the exchange sites of the soil minerals. Soil salinity and sodicity suppress plant growth by inducing water stress, specific ion effects and nutrient imbalance resulting in deficiency and toxicity of some elements which decrease crop growth and ultimately economic yield.