Influences of salinity on plant productivity

Abstract

An attempt has been made to review the influences of salinity on plant productivity. The study established that salinity affects almost every aspect of plant life including germination, vegetative growth and development, reproduction, and primary production, hence impacts negatively on food security by decreasing water availability, increasing the concentration of ions and diminishing soil microbes, water permeability as well as soil aeration. Although, some plants, mainly the mangroves have some salt regulatory mechanisms in their systems, there is the need to control and effectively manage salinity using appropriate techniques which includes increased drainage, planting of salt tolerant crops and restoring balance via chemical amendments to enable us reclaim the already degraded lands, identify potential salinity issues by monitoring and proffering environmental education to all and sundry