Integrated Management of Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition in Saline Agricultural Soils
摘要
Salinity affects soil nutrient dynamics and its availability and uptake to the plant. It adversely impacts the fertility and health of the soil. Adding a limiting nutrient may enhance salt tolerance and promote plant growth, depending on the severity of salt stress. In this view, using strategies such as chemical and biological amendments for soil health improvement and using optimal nutrition programs, bio-fertilizers, and beneficial elements to promote plant tolerance to salinity is crucial. Halotolerant microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) are growth-promoting microorganisms that provide an eco-friendly solution to mitigate salinity stress. These microorganisms positively affect plant growth and development in salt-affected soil by (1) improving soil health (2) promoting the adaptation of the plant to salt and improving the plant biomass yield. This book chapter summarizes the global status of salt-affected soils and approaches to prevent, mitigate, and restore saline and sodic soils. Then, the management strategies of soil nutrition and fertility are examined with an emphasis on the importance and functions of the soil microbiome in the management and reclamation of saline soils in agriculture.