Policy Briefs
COST Action CA21144
Soil salinisation is a growing problem as a result of salty parent material at many places, unsustainable agricultural practices, decreasing good quality water availability and global warming (with implications for the concentration of salts in water). With an increasing population and a growing demand for agricultural and food products, soil salinisation is a serious challenge for food and nutritional security worldwide. Due to long-term and unexpected droughts, agricultural production will become more dependent on irrigation. Supplementary irrigation will be required in areas that did not need to be irrigated before. Moreover, in areas that are already irrigated, marginal quality water will begin to be used for irrigation due to water stress problems. Read the brief
Soil salinization occurs in hot and semi-arid climates where high groundwater tables are present. In cases where groundwater remains near the soil surface, evaporation transports salts to different soil depths, gradually increasing salt concentration. When this concentration surpasses plant tolerance levels, it can lead to yield losses. In Türkiye, where a large portion of the country is subject to hot and semi-arid climates, soil salinity varies in severity due to topographic features and agricultural irrigation practices. In areas affected by salinity in Türkiye, a significant portion of the land is still used for agriculture. In regions with higher salinity, such as Central Anatolia, the Mediterranean, and Southeastern Anatolia, salt-tolerant crops like barley, sugar beet, cotton, and wheat are cultivated on slightly to moderately saline soils. However, in some cases, temporal changes in salinity levels may exceed plant tolerance limits, resulting in yield losses. Read the brief
Soil and water salinisation are a growing challenge worldwide due to climate change and poor management of agricultural lands. The aim of this policy brief is to shed light on the impact investment opportunities in relation to saline agriculture. Based on an expert workshop conducted at the SALAD-SUSTAIN conference 2024 in Brussels, we present the key messages from the emerging debate. We supplement these findings with the examples of successful implementation of saline agriculture pilots in Kenya, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt and Morocco . Based on these insights, we propose a number of recommendations which are the following: future saline agriculture in this region. Read the brief
Soil salinity is a real problem, the extent of which stakeholders, in some circumstances, are not fully aware of, posing serious threats to rural communities and food security. The most relevant available funds include the following programs: Horizon Europe for research and innovation; LIFE for demonstrating sustainable environmental practices; Interreg for cross-border projects; and other funds such as those from the World Bank, as well as others available from national entities. Read the brief
Saline agriculture refers to agricultural practices that utilize saline soil or/and water sustainably. Effective management of such resources requires careful and deliberate strategies. To date, scientific studies have primarily focused on freshwater and pristine lands for sustainable production. However, increasing food demand, increasing climate variability, and widespread degradation of soil and water resources are now demanding greater productive attention from these previously unproductive lands. Moreover, salt-affected areas are rapidly increasing year by year. This policy brief describes how salt-based agriculture can contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identifies key challenges and offers practical recommendations for policymakers. Read the brief