Salinity and vegetable production in context to nematodes: A review on understanding crop responses and irrigation management

Abstract

Water scarcity and soil salinization are major challenges for global agricultural sustainability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where vegetable production is essential for food security and nutritional needs. With approximately 950 million hectares of land affected by salinity worldwide, the strategic utilization of saline water resources mayemerge as a viable alternative to conventional freshwater irrigation to resolve the salinity issue. This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted approaches to successfully implementing saline water irrigation in vegetable production systems. Thisstudy synthesizes current knowledge on salt stress mechanisms in plants, physiological responses of major vegetable crops to salinity, and innovative management strategies including advanced irrigation technologies, soil amelioration practices, plant-based interventions, and microbial solutions. Special emphasis is placed on practical management techniques such as drip irrigation systems, leaching fraction management, water blending strategies, chemical and organic amendments, grafting technology, seed priming, and the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. This review provides research-based recommendations for optimizing saline water use in vegetable production while maintaining crop productivity, soil health, and long-term sustainability.