Global Perspectives on Agroforestry for the Management of Salt-affected Soils

Abstract

Nearly one billion hectares of arid and semiarid areas of the world are salt affected and remains barren due to salinity or water scarcity, and about 20 % of the irrigated area is facing secondary salinization and one-third threatened with waterlogging. Using appropriate planting and other management techniques, these lands can be utilized satisfactorily for agroforestry systems by integrating forest/fruit trees, forage grasses and other conventional and nonconventional crops. The process of salinization associated with rising water table can be delayed using strip plantations. Undoubtedly, the advantages of agroforestry systems include the production of timber, fuelwood and other products such as oil, honey, fruits, fibre, pharmaceuticals, etc., carbon sequestration, diminishing the wind erosion, provision of shade and shelter, function as wind breaks, soil amelioration through litter fall, enhancement of biodiversity, and improvement in general environment. The salt-tolerant tree species reclaim salt-affected lands, along with the increase in the size of carbon sink in the plant-soil system and improving soil microbial activities. The integration of salt-tolerant trees with grasses is a viable land-use option for improving the biological productivity and fertility of highly sodic soils. Implementing agroforestry practices to build up soil carbon stocks can help as an adaptation strategy for climate change and other associated developmental benefits.