Technical article · Innovak News
Soil salinity has become a major constraint on global agricultural production. Of the approximately 1.5 billion hectares of cultivated land on the planet, an estimated 20-30% are affected by high salinity levels - and this figure is projected to surpass 50% within the next 25 years. Improper irrigation management, over-fertilization, coastal salt intrusion, and climate change are key contributing factors.
Dr. Javier Zuzunaga explains that most crops are quite susceptible to soil salinity, with a general tolerance threshold of no more than 2 dS/m. Sensitive crops include blueberry, strawberry, lettuce, avocado, potato, citrus, and onion. Moderately tolerant crops such as table grape, tomato, onion, and rice can withstand levels between 2 and 3 dS/m.
In northern Peru, salt concentration levels above 5 dS/m have been observed in some vineyard zones, and even resistant rootstocks like Salt Creek have been affected over time. No rootstock is completely immune - if salinity in soil or water remains high or increases, even resistant rootstocks can be harmed. This underscores the need to implement innovative technologies and sustainable soil and water management practices to mitigate the effects of salinity and ensure agricultural productivity.
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