Too salty to farm: rethinking coastal land use in response to soil salinization

Soil salinization poses a growing threat to agriculture in coastal plains, exacerbated by climate change and sea‐level rise. As salinization worsens, conventional soil regenerative practices become less effective, particularly in low‐lying areas where saltwater intrusion and land subsidence intensify the issue. This position paper advocates for a shift from conventional agriculture toward nature‐based approaches, such as the restoration of intertidal ecosystems, as a more sustainable alternative. These nature‐based approaches harness natural processes to provide key ecosystem services, including enhanced biodiversity, carbon sequestration, flood protection, and improved water quality, often surpassing the benefits of maintaining degraded farmland. Despite challenges like societal resistance, case studies such as Plan Tureluur demonstrate the potential for successful adaptation. We call for a balanced discussion on prioritizing ecosystem health and coastal resilience over conventional agriculture in salinized regions, underscoring the need to rethink land use strategies to achieve sustainability in coastal areas.