Uintah County Extension Agent Introduction Soil salinity is a measure of the total amount of soluble salt in soil. As salinity levels increase, plants extract water less easily from soil, aggravating water stress conditions. In many areas throughout Utah, soil salinity is the factor limiting plant growth. Salt-affected plants are stunted with dark green leaves which, in some cases, are thicker and more succulent than normal. In woody species, high soil salinity may lead to leaf burn and defoliation.
Grasses also appear dark green and stunted with leaf burn symptoms.
Salinity tolerance is influenced by many plant, soil, and environmental factors and their interrelationships. Generally, fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals are more salt sensitive than forage or field crops. In addition, certain varieties, cultivars, or rootstalks may tolerate higher salt levels than others. Climate and irrigation also influence salinity tolerance. As soil dries, salts become concentrated in the soil solution, increasing salt stress.