Advances in the assessment and monitoring of salinization and status of biosaline agriculture

Abstract

The causes of salinity and sodicity, which vary between countries and regions, need to be identified, assessed and monitored carefully so that they can be managed and controlled. There is a need for practical and cost-effective methodologies for assessing, monitoring and mapping the extent and distribution of salt-affected soils; for identifying the causes and sources of the problem; and for choosing management options and evaluating the effectiveness of those options. The object ive of the Expert Consultation on Advances in Assessment and Monitoring of Salinization for Managing Salt-affected Habitats was to exchange experiences with data collection and analysis for the assessment and monitoring of salinity and sodicity, with particular emphasis on practical applications at local, national, regional and global levels. The Meeting on the Status and Progress of Biosaline Agriculture of the Inter-Islamic Network on Biosaline Agriculture was an opportunity to present the work of the hosting institution and to exchange information between the two Networks.