Summary
This systematic review synthesises over 60 years of Chinese research and practice on saline-alkali soil management, which affects 10.1% of the world's saline-alkali land. Through meta-analysis of region-specific techniques including flood irrigation, drip irrigation with mulching, and drainage systems, the authors document significant improvements in soil properties and distil theoretical knowledge and practical management strategies developed by China into a framework for future research and potential global application.
UK applicability
The UK has limited saline-alkali soil challenges due to climate and land history; however, the review's mechanistic insights into salt leaching, pH amelioration, and soil structure recovery may inform management of salt-affected agricultural land in low-rainfall regions or near coastal areas. The Chinese framework may have limited direct applicability but could inform research on marginal land restoration.
Key measures
Soil salinity reduction (%), soil pH, soil structure, soil fertility indicators
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises region-specific reclamation techniques (flood irrigation, drip irrigation with mulching, drainage systems) and quantifies their effects on soil properties. Meta-analysis documents salinity reductions exceeding 60% and pH decreases from above 9.5 to below 8.5 across saline-alkali soils in China.
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