The Facts

• Salinity prevents plants from accessing water found in the soil. Plant soil that is affected by salinity is usually toxic because of the large amount of salt it contains. Elemental ions such as sodium, chlorine, magnesium and calcium play a big part in the toxicity level of soil plagued by salinity.
  
  

Geography

• Most of the plants affected by salinity are usually found in dry, desert-like areas. According to Leon Bernstein of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the high levels of salinity found in these areas are due to the poorly designed natural drainage, which allow high concentrations of salt to build up in the water supply, rather than being swept out into the ocean like other irrigation systems found in surrounding towns or cities. It's rare to find plants affected by salinity in areas with a steady supply of rainfall and humidity.
  
  

Effects

• Plants that are found in soil with high salinity usually absorb high concentrations of salt. As a result, the plant becomes unhealthy and grows slower. The plant may become subject to chlorosis, which makes leaves appear pale and yellowish in color. Other plants affected by salinity have been found to have a dull appearance and contain leaves with a hard wax-like feel. Vegetables and fruits that are grown on plants that have been affected by salinity are usually smaller than average.
  
  

Theories/Speculation

• According to a report published by The Regional Institute, an experiment was done to see the effects of salinity on wheat and chickpea crops. The results showed that growth of both crops reduced in size. It was also determined that the chickpea crop lost most of its ability to extract water, while the wheat crop's water extraction did not change.
  
  The International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops (ISIHC) reported that a study was conducted to see how salinity affected the growth of a snap bean crop. The research findings proved that excessive salt in the plant's soil negatively affected the productivity of the snap bean crop's yield. The study also showed that while the leaves ended up being smaller than normal, the roots of the snap bean crop increased in size.
  
  

Types

• Plants that have the ability to absorb high levels of salt and withstand the negative effects of salinity are known as halophytes, while plants that have a hard time absorbing large amounts of salt are called glycophytes. Most plants possess qualities from both of these categories.