Salt-tolerant plants may worsen soil degradation in irrigated agroecosystems.
Plant salt tolerance affects soil moisture and salinity in irrigated agroecosystems. A model was used to study how different crops handle water and salt in the soil. Salt-tolerant plants extract water more efficiently, leading to higher salinity levels in the soil. This can impact soil health and water balance in the long term. The study shows that plant salt tolerance plays a key role in regulating soil salinity and moisture levels, especially in arid climates. It suggests that choosing the right crops is crucial for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection in the face of changing global conditions.