Climate & Environment
Salinization
Definition
Salinization is the accumulation of water-soluble salts in soil to levels that impair plant growth, occurring naturally (primary) or through human activity (secondary): irrigation without adequate drainage raising saline water tables, seawater intrusion into coastal aquifers, and deforestation altering water balances. Salt-affected soils cover substantial areas of the world's irrigated land, with significant fractions of irrigated area in Central Asia, the Middle East and Australia affected.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Salinization” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
The concept structures land degradation assessments (FAO/UNESCO soil salinity mapping), irrigation design standards, SDG 15. 3. 1 land degradation monitoring, and dryland development policy.
Why it matters
Salinization quietly erodes the most productive land class on Earth — irrigated land produces a disproportionate share of food — making salt management a food security issue.