Salt-affected soils either have elevated amounts of soluble salts (saline soils) or exchangeable sodium ions (sodic soils) measured in terms of high electrical conductivity, adversely affecting the soil fertility & growth of plants.
Factors increasing salinisation and sodification
- Anthropogenic factors:
- Inefficient agricultural practices: Overuse of fertilizers, poor-quality water & overexploitation of aquifers for irrigation, inadequate drainage systems etc.
- Deforestation: Removal of deep-rooted vegetation (dryland salinization).
- Others: Excessive water pumping in coastal and inland areas, mining activities, etc.
- Natural factors: Climate crisis increasing aridity; permafrost thawing; etc.
Key findings of the report
- Global
- Coverage: ~10% (~1.4 billion ha) of global land area is affected, with probable increment to 24-32%.
- Most affected countries: Australia (area wise), and Oman (percentage wise).
- India specific
- Coverage: ~2.1% (~6.72 million ha) of its total geographic area is affected.
- Most affected states (area wise): Gujarat followed by U.P, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Rajasthan.
- ~17% of irrigated agricultural land due to use of brackish groundwater for irrigation.
- Sustainable management practices includes mitigation efforts like mulching, adaptation efforts like breeding salt-tolerant plants, bioremediation, etc.
