Salinization refers to:

Salinization refers to:

• A. Salinization
• B. Leaching of nutrients due to acid rain
• C. Waterlogging
• D. Eutrophication

Answer: (A)

Salinization is the buildup of soluble salts in soil or on the soil surface, often occurring when irrigation water brings salts to the root zone and evaporation leaves them behind, especially in hot, dry areas with poor drainage. This accumulation creates osmotic stress for plants, making it harder for roots to take up water and sometimes introducing toxic ions, which reduces soil fertility and crop yields. It’s different from nutrient leaching due to acid rain (which mainly depletes nutrients and lowers soil pH), waterlogging (which is when excess water fills pore spaces and limits oxygen for roots), and eutrophication (which is nutrient over-enrichment in water bodies leading to algal blooms).

Salinization is the buildup of soluble salts in soil or on the soil surface, often occurring when irrigation water brings salts to the root zone and evaporation leaves them behind, especially in hot, dry areas with poor drainage. This accumulation creates osmotic stress for plants, making it harder for roots to take up water and sometimes introducing toxic ions, which reduces soil fertility and crop yields. It’s different from nutrient leaching due to acid rain (which mainly depletes nutrients and lowers soil pH), waterlogging (which is when excess water fills pore spaces and limits oxygen for roots), and eutrophication (which is nutrient over-enrichment in water bodies leading to algal blooms).