Review of research development associated with the application of saline water irrigation to vegetables

Freshwater resources are scarce and unevenly distributed in China. The exploitation of saline water resources is of great significance to the success of water security strategies. Currently, there are researches focusing on overcoming the difficulties associated with saline-water utilization. The sowing area and yield of vegetables are the highest in the world, but vegetables are economic crops with relatively large water consumptions. The main problem faced by freshwater shortage regions is how to safely use saline water resources, broaden the supply source of vegetable irrigation water, and ensure vegetable production. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms and technologies associated with the application and future development of saline water irrigation in vegetable planting from the aspects of the utilization potential of saline water resources; application status of saline water irrigation; and effects of saline water irrigation on vegetable growth, yield, and quality to provide water resources that guarantee the high-quality green development of agriculture. The results showed that using 2.4−11.83 dS∙m⁻¹ saline water irrigation reduced vegetable yields by 6.21%−63.05% but improved vegetable quality by 6.25%−74.07%. Using suitable saline water irrigation regulation technologies and optimizing irrigation strategies can improve the utilization efficiency of saline water irrigation and play an important role in the sustainable development of agriculture in the future.