# Progress and Prospect of Saline-Alkaline Soil Management Technology: A Review
## 2 Traditional Management Techniques and Methods
### Phytoremediation  
Phytoremediation, also referred to as vegetative bioremediation, utilizes salt-tolerant or salt-accumulating plants to mitigate soil salinity orodicity [44]. This process involves the use of species that remove salt ions to manage salinity andodicity, thereby supporting the long-term sustainability of agricultural lands [45]. This approach is extensively utilized in the management and restoration of saline-alkaline soils, especially in regions experiencing mild to moderate salinity stress. Compared to other salt remediation techniques, phytoremediation presents several unique benefits. For instance, while gypsum application mainly influences the upper soil layers, phytoremediation promotes a more consistent reduction of salinity across the entire soil profile, including deeper sections. Phytoremediation has also been shown to be economically viable, particularly when there is a marketdemand for the crops used in the process as shown in Figure 3 or when these crops can be utilized differently at the farm level [46]. This results in more efficient and comprehensive salt removal, establishing it as a sustainable and enduring solution for soil reclamation. Certain plant species have adapted to saline-alkaline and alkaline environments, commonly referred to as halophytes. These plants can thrive in high salinity conditions where conventional crops struggle [47]. These plants are unique to the extent that they can compete their life cycle under salt stress, and some even perform better in saline-alkaline conditions that in fresh water [48]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [49] reported that halophytes can even thrive and reproduce in conditions with recorded salt concentrations of 200 nM of NaCl. Several studies have explored the use of halophytes for reclaiming salt affected soils [50; 51]. Phytoremediation, particularly with halophytes, has proven effective in ameliorating calcareous saline-alkaline and sodic soils, often outperforming chemical treatments [52]. In addition to improving saline-alkaline soil conditions, some halophytes show promise as a forage crop or oilseed sources [53]. For instance, _Suaeda nudiflora_ was found to remove significant amounts of salt from soil, making it an efficient candidate for phytoremediation [54]. The ability of halophytes to accumulate large amounts of salt in their above-ground biomass is especially beneficial in arid and semi-arid regions, where water scarcity makes traditional methods ineffective [55]. The introduction of halophytes could provide both environmental and economic solutions for managing saline-alkaline soils, creating a more sustainable agricultural system. Research conducted by [PERSON], [PERSON] et al. [56] has shown that cotton plant also possesses strong salt tolerance, allowing it to grow in soils with moderate salinity levels. Like [PERSON], [PERSON] et al. [57] identifies _melitudus ruthenic_ as a highly salt tolerant forage crop that is well suited for cultivation in saline-alkaline soils. Other crops, such as sorghum, sunflower, and barley, also exhibit resilience to salinity, and can be cultivated in mildly or moderately saline-alkaline soils [58; 59]. Additionally, studies by [PERSON] et al. [60] suggested that Mellotus officinalis, commonly used as green manure crop, not only survives in saline-alkaline soils, but also improves soil structure. Furthermore, certain fruit-bearing and woody species, including jujube, pear, elm, willow, and locust, demonstrate salt tolerance  
Figure 3: Planting salt-tolerant plants releases salt from the soil. while contributing to ecological restoration and improving the overall quality of saline-alkaline lands [3; 61; 62]. In saline-alkaline regions with access to freshwater resources, the introduction of freshwater for irrigation and rice cultivation presents a viable method for soil improvement. Rice requires substantial amounts of water during its growth cycle.