Salt-affected soils consist of saline and sodic soils, occur in all continents and under almost all climatic conditions, but their distribution is relatively more extensive in the arid and semi-arid regions compared to the humid regions. Soil salinization and sodification are major soil degradation processes threatening ecosystem and are recognized as being among the most important problems at a global level for agricultural production, food security and sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. There are extensive areas of salt-affected soils on all the continents but their extent and distribution have not been studied in detail.

Salt-affected soils have serious impacts on soil functions leading to an array of consequences, including significant decreases in agricultural productivity, water quality, soil biodiversity, and soil erosion. Salt-affected soils have a decreased ability to act as a buffer and filter against pollutants. The degradation of soil structure and functions of global ecological systems such as the hydrological, nutrient and biogeochemical cycles, impair the provision of ecosystem services, which are critical for supporting human life and biodiversity. Salt-affected soils reduce both the ability of crops to take up water and the availability of micronutrients. They also concentrate ions that are toxic to plants and may degrade the soil structure.

Raise awareness on the issue of salt-affected soils and their impact on agriculture and the environment. Promote technological innovation to manage and remediate salt-affected soils. Invest in gathering better knowledge about the status of salt-affected soils at the global level in order to determine how to best manage soil degradation as a whole. Develop policies and implement actions in the field - based on scientific evidence - to mainstream sustainable soil management. Restore degraded soils in areas greatly affected by salinity and/or sodicity. Promote the sustainable management of salt-affected soils.