Excessive salt levels in the soil are harmful to plants and can result in reduced growth, lower yields, or even complete crop loss. This problem is more common than often assumed. A clear example can be seen in roadside trees: repeated exposure to winter de‑icing salts disrupts their growth and may ultimately lead to dieback, causing unexpected replacement costs and a less attractive streetscape.
The problem becomes even more severe during prolonged dry periods. Without rainfall, excess salts remain in the soil, placing additional stress on plants. While coastal regions naturally have higher background salinity, the use of brackish water or reclaimed wastewater for irrigation can further increase salt levels in the soil.
Another frequent cause of salinity buildup is the long-term use of mineral fertilisers or over‑fertilisation in general. Over time, this leads to excessive salt concentrations in the soil, which can negatively affect crop growth and development.
