Saline water management for optimum crop production

Efforts to increase crop production in arid and semi-arid regions are hindered by the shortage of fresh water for irrigation. Therefore, it is often necessary to use water of lower quality to meet crop water requirements. Saline water is most often available to fill part of the existing gap. It may be available as agricultural drainage water, brackish groundwater or sea water intrusion near coastal areas. However, it is vitally important to determine guidelines and management standards which minimize the adverse effect of saline water on soils and plants. This paper presents results of research into the effects of different irrigation practices and management options on the growth of wheat and cotton when irrigated with saline water. The study considered the sensitive growth stages of germintion and seedling establishment due to their determinant effect on crop survival under saline irrigation water. © 1993.