The Role of Salt-Tolerant Crops in the Proper Use of Saline Soils

Abstract

The use of saline soils for agricultural production is a major challenge. A study investigated the resistance to salinity, yield, and product quality of five crops (alfalfa, sunflower, white sorghum, sorghum, and millet) grown on weak, moderate, and strongly saline soils in Uzbekistan. The results showed that the crops were more resistant to salinity on weak and moderate soils than on strongly saline soils. The highest yields were obtained on weak soils, while the lowest yields were obtained on strongly saline soils. The product quality of the crops was also affected by salinity, with the best quality being obtained on weak soils. The study provides valuable insights into the use of saline soils for agricultural production. Saline stress has been the one of the biggest hurdles in achieving the demand and supply ratio of global population. To combat the growing problem of soil salinity, advanced soil management and irrigation technology are used. However, they are cost and energy intensive. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) attained from saline soils can overcome the detrimental effects of salt stress on plants. PGPR positively impact physiological functions of plants such as growth, yield and overcome disease resistance. T