Salinity and Soil Degradation Due to Irrigation Practices: A Review

Abstract:-Soil degradation is a universal issue, and salinization due to improper irrigation practices is one of themost serious forms. Irrigation is essential for enhanced crop production and achieving food security, butit can prove unfavorable for soil when water is used without taking into account drainage, water quality,and climatic situations. The build-up of soluble salts in the root zone lowers soil fertility, deterioratescrop productivity, changes soil structure, and ultimately results in land abandonment. Salinity alsoenhances desertification in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, where irrigation is largely dependent onagriculture. This review discusses the mechanisms of salinity formation, irrigation water quality-soildegradation relationship, and implications for agriculture sustainability. Literature evidence indicates thatinefficient irrigation practices, saline groundwater use, insufficient leaching, and inadequate drainageinfrastructure are the main causes of salinity accumulation. The review also points out mitigationmeasures such as implementation of efficient irrigation practices, utilization of salt-tolerant crops, soilmodification, and integrated water management. Finally, it is important to understand the relationshipbetween irrigation and salinity to develop sustainable agriculture practices and maintain long-term soilfertility.