Role of salt tolerant plants for production, prevention of salinity and amenity values

Describes saltland (salt-affected land), stating that "land capability is affected by variation in at least the following attributes: salinity, waterlogging, inundation, soil texture and pH." Defines salt tolerance or salinity tolerance as "the ability of a plant to maintain growth and metabolic function (including photosynthesis) when exposed to a high concentration of salt in the soil or in irrigation water." Explains that "plants range from extremely salt sensitive to highly salt tolerant" and discusses potential strategies for "growing plants [that] are able to adapt better to saline conditions." States that "it is the presence and strength of these various salt-regulation mechanisms, together with the interplay among them, that determines the level of salt tolerance by different species and genotypes (lines)", including "ion exclusion"; "ion regulation and compartmentation"; "salt glands"; and "compatible organic solutes." Discusses potential environmental values of salt tolerant grasses, including revegetation, mine rehabilitation, erosion control, and bioremediation. Mentions breeding for improved salt tolerance. Concludes that "the aim is to select suitable species and lines for landscape-based systems, which (like natural systems) need a stable mix of plants with different salt tolerance levels and different roles across the whole area.