Sustainable bio-saline agriculture in the Mediterranean

NATAE Practice abstract n. 12: Efficiency. Working Package 7. A NATAE practice abstract is a summary that describes an agroecological practice that can be used as a valuable resource by farmers, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders interested in adopting or promoting agricultural practices that contribute to sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. This document explores sustainable bio-saline agriculture in the Mediterranean, focusing on strategies to mitigate soil and water salinity in arid and semi-arid regions. Key approaches include soil remediation (gypsum, organic matter, sand amendments), leaching irrigation, salinity-tolerant crops (e.g., date palms, barley, alfalfa), and crop rotation. Public actions like aquifer recharge and traditional water harvesting (e.g., jessours, tabias) also play a vital role. Challenges include high initial costs, limited access to adapted varieties, and the need for farmer training. The goal is to enhance agricultural resilience while preserving soil health and water resources.