Becoming ambassadors for better production from salt-affected soils
Salt-affected soils, which include both saline and sodic soils, are found across all continents and climates, but they are more common in dry and semi-dry regions, and on the coasts. Although some are naturally occurring, human activity can cause soil salinization (accumulation of salt) and sodification (increase in exchangeable sodium), major forms of soil degradation that harm ecosystems. These problems are especially serious in dry regions, where they threaten agriculture, food security, and sustainability. Saline soils, according to the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS), have high salt concentrations that prevent plants from absorbing water properly. Sodic soils, on the other hand, contain large amounts of sodium, which weakens soil structure. Soil salinization can happen naturally through rising sea levels or water intrusion from oceans, rivers, or groundwater, but it can also result from human activities like intensive farming, poor irrigation practices, and overuse of fertilizers.
Worldwide, salinization is a serious threat to agriculture, especially in dry regions. Mismanaged irrigation, poor drainage, and rising groundwater have increased salinity in large areas of productive farmland, reducing crop yields and food security. Climate change makes this worse by raising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, which speeds up salinization.
Salinity—whether caused by natural factors or human activities like irrigation and deforestation—disrupts ecosystems. It changes soil structure, lowers water quality, and negatively impacts biodiversity in both land and water environments. Salt-sensitive species struggle to survive, leading to reduced biodiversity, while salt-tolerant species can dominate, upsetting the balance of ecosystems.
Given that about 95 percent of our food comes from soil, it's alarming that about one-third of the world's soils are degraded. More than 20% of irrigated farmland is negatively impacted by salinity.
Although plant and soil biodiversity can be significantly impacted by salinity, using traits and strategies of plant and soil microorganisms from naturally occurring saline soils can be a valuable solution. Some plants and microbes have evolved to tolerate and even thrive in high salt conditions. Planting crops that are bred for or that are naturally tolerant to higher salt concentration and employing microbes that protect plants against salt stress can be successful strategies where reclamation of saline soils is not an option. These organisms evolved in diverse ecosystems can increase productivity from saline soils.
During this masterclass, Global Soil Partnership Secretariat members will discuss with the youth participants the distribution, and management of salt affected soils by food producers. Participants will learn essential skills and gain knowledge about soil salinity, its impact on biodiversity, and how to manage salt-affected soils. Using educational tools from the Global Soil Doctors Programme (GSDP) and interactive quizzes, participants will develop key abilities, including:
- Understand the distribution of salt-affected soils
- Understand the impact of soil salinity on agriculture how it affects the productive and environmental functions of soils.
- Understand the interaction between salinity and soil biodiversity
- Understand the management of salt-affected soils
- Through practical exercises, the participants will analyse the soil properties that are affected by salinity using visual observation, taste and soil test.
- The masterclass will conclude with an online quiz in Kahoot to check their new skills as ambassadors of salt-affected soils management.
Objectives:
- Equip participants with knowledge on salt-affected soils, their impact, and their management in better production.
- Encourage participating youth to become ambassadors of salt affected soils by understanding the principles and practices essential for maintaining and improving soil health.
- Strengthen participants appreciation that food producers have a great mission to protect soil due to its economic and societal benefits.
Class duration
- Date: Nov 12, 12:00 – 13:00 (CEST)
- Time: 1 hour
- Venue: Zoom online
- Registration here
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Time |
Topic (Each to be updated) |
Speaker |
Notes |
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5 mins |
Introduction
The Masterclass organizers will introduce the WFF, highlighting the objectives of the masterclass and lastly introduce the trainers |
- Oisin Gill - Davide Agretto - Maria Konyushkova - Jacob Parnell |
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10 mins |
Main learning content The concept of salt-affected soils and their influence on agricultural productivity, what are the main drivers of soil salinization and sodification and solutions to manage such soils. Solutions include reclamation as well as biological strategies of either planting salt-adapted crops or using microbes that can extend a plant’s salt tolerance. |
- Maria Konyushkova - Jacob Parnell |
- Introduction: Show video on Salt-affected soils: Discover a missed reality (4 min) - https://youtu.be/kQcax3Rv4oA |
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25 mins |
Practical case study Trainers will discuss the means how to evaluate if soil salinized or sodified: - Visual assessment - Tasting soil - Conductometer - AgNO3 chemical reaction - Halophytes - Solutions from soil biodiversity. |
- Maria Konyushkova - Jacob Parnell
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Show the Map of SAS and Field exercises on salinity: Electrical conductity
Video on application of bio stimulants for salt affected soils |
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Key skills and competencies to develop
Youth will attain skills on understanding and measuring soil salinity and the impact of biodiversity in these soils |
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15 mins |
Q&A and 3 quiz polls
Trainers will respond to the questions asked by the participants and run a Kahoot quiz and announce the winners |
- Maria Konyushkova - Jacob Parnell |
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5 mins |
Conclusion remarks
Next Steps: The next steps after the masterclass will be highlighted by the organizers |
- Jacob Parnell - Maria Konyushkova
- Oisin Gill - Davide Agretto
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