Impact of Soil Salinity on Wheat Growth and Yield: Challenges, Mechanisms, and Management Strategies

Abstract

The development and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) are severely hampered by soil salinity, a key abiotic stressor that poses a significant threat to world food security. Osmotic stress, ionic toxicity, and oxidative damage in wheat plants are caused by excessive salt buildup in the soil, which also interferes with water absorption, ion homeostasis, and nutrient balance. Grain yield, photosynthetic efficiency, root and shoot growth, and germination are all hampered by these stresses. Developing successful management techniques for wheat requires understanding the physiological, pharmacological, and molecular factors behind salt tolerance. To lessen salinity-induced stress's effects, plants use various adaptive responses, including ion compartmentalization, antioxidant defense mechanisms, osmoprotectant accumulation, and hormone modulation. Breeding and biotechnological developments, including genome editing, transgenics, and marker-assisted selection, have demonstrated promise in enhancing wheat's resistance to salt. Furthermore, reducing the negative impacts of salinity requires using agronomic treatments such as soil amendments, biofertilizers, and adequate irrigation techniques. The role of precision farming, an innovative solution that enhances wheat's resistance to salty conditions, is not just a solution but an inspiring example of how technological advancements can revolutionize agriculture. This paper thoroughly examines the difficulties caused by soil salinity, clarifies the fundamental principles of tolerance, and investigates creative management techniques to maintain wheat yields in the face of salt stress.