Planting forage to improve the utilization of saline-alkali land

Abstract

Soil salinity and alkalinity represent critical constraints to agricultural productivity, threatening global food security and rural livelihoods, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and coastal regions. Salt-affected soils are estimated to cover over 800 million hectares globally, a figure projected to expand due to climate change and unsustainable land management practices. In India, approximately 6.74 million hectares are afflicted by salinity and sodicity, posing a substantial threat to the nation's agricultural economy and food security objectives. Conventional reclamation methods, which rely on chemical amendments and water-intensive leaching, often present formidable economic and environmental challenges. This review explores the cultivation of salt-tolerant forage crops, including halophytes and leguminous forages, as a sustainable and multifunctional strategy for the productive utilization and ecological restoration of saline-alkali land. We examine the physiological mechanisms underpinning salt tolerance and phytoremediation in these plants, alongside their roles in enhancing soil structure, organic matter content, and hydrological balance. The review synthesizes global case studies and Indian experiences to analyze agronomic practices, socio-economic impacts, and policy frameworks necessary for scaling up forage-based systems. By synthesizing findings from extensive peer-reviewed literature, this paper argues for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to transform these marginal lands into resilient and productive agroecosystems.