Salt Stress in Plants and Mitigation Approaches

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Science
• Ecology

Background:

• Salinization of soils and freshwater resources is a growing global issue impacting environmental services and socioeconomic structures.
• Salt stress negatively affects agroecosystems by inducing nutrient deficiency, oxidative stress, and biomass reduction in crops, compromising food quality and quantity.
• Effective management requires tailored solutions based on the specific type of salinization (alkaline or pH-neutral).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and present a comprehensive overview of diverse solutions for combating soil and water salinization.
• To highlight the role of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning, in predicting and managing salinization.
• To emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress.

Main Methods:

• Compilation and synthesis of various management strategies including agro-hydrotechnical, biological, chemical, and bio-ecological approaches.
• Integration of institutional solutions such as salinity monitoring and strategic planning.
• Application of advanced computational methods like artificial intelligence and machine learning for salinization prediction.

Main Results:

• A wide array of effective solutions exists, ranging from soil and water conservation techniques to advanced methods like nano-based products and seed biopriming.
• Cultivating salt-resistant species, employing beneficial microbes (bacteria, mycorrhiza), and using salt-resistant rootstocks are key biological strategies.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning enable rapid, large-scale predictions of salinization under various scenarios, including climate change.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary strategy integrating diverse solutions is crucial for effective salinization control and mitigation of salt stress impacts.
• Technological advancements, especially in computer science, offer powerful tools for predicting and managing salinization at multiple scales.
• Implementing these comprehensive approaches is vital for protecting ecosystems and ensuring sustainable food production.