Review on Impacts of Soil Salinity and Sodicity on Crop Yield and Management Option

Soil salinity is a major environmental and agronomic challenge that severely constrains crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation. As global food demand increases and irrigated agriculture continues to expand, the extent and severity of salt-affected soils are intensifying worldwide. This review synthesizes the current understanding of the causes, types, and mechanisms of soil salinization, while assessing its physiological and agronomic impacts on major crop species. It highlights how excessive accumulation of soluble salts in the root zone alters soil osmotic potential, inhibits water and nutrient uptake, and disrupts key plant metabolic functions such as photosynthesis and protein synthesis. The resulting physiological stress leads to poor germination, stunted growth, and significant yield reductions. Human-induced factors including inefficient irrigation, poor drainage, deforestation, industrial effluents, and inappropriate fertilizer use are further accelerating secondary salinization. The review also distinguishes between saline, sodic, and saline sodic soils, describing their chemical characteristics, formation mechanisms, and implications for plant growth and soil structure. Furthermore, the responses of both cash crops (cotton, tomato, sugarcane, and sunflower) and subsistence crops (wheat, rice, maize, and sorghum) to varying salinity levels are discussed, highlighting differences in species and varietal tolerance. Finally, the paper underscores the importance of integrated soil and water management practices including leaching, gypsum application, biological reclamation using halophytic grasses, and improved irrigation efficiency to mitigate the impacts of salinity and sodicity. Strengthening farmer awareness, promoting sustainable land management, and adopting innovative technologies for monitoring soil salinity are essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in affected regions.