Abstract
Nutrient supply for crops on saline soils is determined by both the specific requirements to alleviate existing crop stress and the general requirements to satisfy crop demand. Crop demand in these environments varies with yield potential which is governed by the tolerance of the crop species and varieties, the efficiency of soil ameliorants employed, and the feasibility of mitigating or avoiding crop stress via agronomic practices. This chapter reviews crop selection, crop breeding strategies and various agronomic interventions aimed at enhancing salinity tolerance. Soil amendments such as gypsum, silicon-based products and organic matter can enhance crop yield potential, while supplemental potassium (K) can be beneficial for alleviating sodium (Na)-related stresses. Where salinity is compounded by waterlogging, effective drainage becomes a critical intervention, enabling the crops to maintain a favourable K+/Na+ ratio. In cases where salinity intensifies over the growing season, techniques like early sowing, promoting early flowering, and mulching offer opportunities to minimize peak salt stress. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the options available for maximizing crop yield potential on saline soil, the optimization of nutrient inputs can be accurately designed. We illustrate these key principles using recent research from the salt-affected coastal area of the Ganges Delta, where specific crop nutrient requirements have been successfully identified and optimized.
