In most cases, these problems are increased by poor quality irrigation water. Generally, warm season turfgrasses are quite tolerant to soluble salts. Even within turfgrass species, significant differences are found in tolerance to salts. For example, Santa Ana bermudagrass tolerates much higher salt levels than common bermudagrass. However, plant response to soluble salts is greatly influenced by environmental conditions and mangement practices.
Salts affect plants both directly and indirectly.
These effects are most common on woody and herbaceous plants. Indirect effects of salts on plants include desiccation, deterioration of soil physical conditions and an imbalance of plant nutrients. Grasses are generally injured by one or more of these indirect effects. The first visible symptom of salt injury is stunted appearing plants - reduced growth rate, short leaf blades and short internodes. Where soils are poorly drained because of an impermeable layer or impermeable topsoil, salts accumulate in the surface soil.