Soil Salinity under Climate Change in Pakistan: Emerging Challenges and Sustainable Management Approaches for Agriculture

Abstract

Soil salinity is a major constraint to agricultural productivity, soil health, and food security in Pakistan, particularly under changing climatic conditions. Rising temperatures, increased evapotranspiration, irregular precipitation, droughts, flooding, and sea-level rise can intensify salt accumulation and alter soil–water interactions. This review examines the emerging challenges associated with climate change and soil salinity in Pakistan, focusing on their impacts on soil properties, crop physiology, agricultural production, and rural livelihoods. It discusses the mechanisms of soil salinity and sodicity, their spatial distribution, and the interactions among climate variability, irrigation practices, groundwater quality, and secondary salinization. Furthermore, sustainable management approaches are evaluated, including gypsum application, organic amendments, integrated nutrient management, efficient irrigation, drainage improvement, and appropriate leaching strategies. Climate-resilient approaches, such as conventional crop breeding, modern biotechnology, halophyte utilization, plant growth-promoting microorganisms, and mycorrhizal associations, are also explored. The review highlights the potential of remote sensing, geographic information systems, precision agriculture, and predictive modelling to support salinity monitoring and site-specific management. Despite these opportunities, important challenges remain, including insufficient long-term monitoring, limited region-specific data, economic constraints, and gaps in farmer awareness and institutional coordination. Addressing these challenges requires integrated research, effective agricultural policies, improved extension services, and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and farming communities. Prioritizing locally adapted, economically feasible, and environmentally sustainable interventions can strengthen agricultural resilience, restore salt-affected soils, and protect freshwater resources. Overall, integrating climate adaptation with sustainable soil and water management is essential for maintaining agricultural productivity and improving long-term food security in Pakistan.