Overview of salinity in arable soils global perspectives: Global perspectives

Salinization of agricultural lands due to natural and anthropogenic causes has been aggressively accelerated during the past few decades, creating a significant threat to global food security. Therefore, sufficient awareness of the global distribution and magnitude of soil salinization is of current importance in order to take measures to prevent or decelerate further salinization. This chapter discusses the current status of global arable soil salinization, factors affecting salinization, and its adverse effects on soil properties and crop production. Moreover, the environmental issues generated through the salinization of lands are discussed, as well as recommendations are given to prevent the further spreading of salinization and to permit the sustainable use of already affected lands.