Abstract: Fresh water resource is scarce and unevenly distributed in China. The use of saline water is therefore an effective way of solving the fresh water shortage. This article summarized the impacts of saline water irrigation on water/salt movement in soil, and on crop growth and changes in crop physiological metabolism. It discussed water/salt distribution in the soil profile, the effect of different degrees of saline water on water/salt movement, and the role of irrigation methods on salt distribution in soil. The paper also epitomized the effects of saline water irrigation on the growth, yield and quality of crops. It further noted effects of saline water irrigation on physiological metabolism; including the changes in praline content, antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde content, chlorophyll content and photosynthesis.