Soil salinization and sodification as conditioners of vegetation and crops: Physiological aspects of plant response to these conditions

Abstract

The type and characteristics of native and introduced vegetation prevailing in any environment or landscape depends on the features of the elements that integrate it (soil, groundwater, and geomorphology), as well as the way it is hydrologically associated to other environments. The negative effects of soil salinity and sodicity on plant growth and development condition the type of plants and their relative success in areas affected by these factors. Adapted species feature physiological and morphological traits that enable them to prosper in those environments. Mechanisms related to salinity and alkalinity tolerance in plants are summarized in this chapter. Those mechanisms, along with morphological adaptations (not addressed here), participate in determining the vegetation occupying areas affected by salinity and/or sodicity. Species-specific responses may result from distinct trait evolution induced by stress. Strong collaboration among scientists of different disciplines is required to undertake complementary holistic studies that can integrate information on plant functional traits with the environmental features of natural ecosystems.