By Ralph Pearce
For decades, soil salinization has been a hindrance to agricultural production in many parts of the world. A 2024 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) cited an area of 1.381 billion hectares (3.4 billion acres) – roughly 10.7 percent of the world’s soil – affected by salt, making it a global concern. The report listed 10 countries most affected: Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, Sudan, Uzbekistan and the United States. The document also stated that “10 percent of irrigated cropland and 10 percent of rain-fed cropland are affected by salinity, although uncertainty remains due to limited data availability.”
Researchers lean on two primary responses to soil salinity: irrigation tops the list as the most efficient means of minimizing the effects, with pivot (broadcast or overhead), drip and furrow irrigation options. The challenges with irrigation include sourcing and water quality, the addition of fertilizers (fertigation) and the presence of naturally-occurring salts in the water. Plant breeding geared to creating salt-tolerant crops is another approach, although the timelines for developing suitable cultivars are lengthy, even with advances like genome editing.
Drip irrigation is regarded as the more effective management practice for reducing the effects of saline soils, although there is no silver bullet to eliminate the issue. There is also an initial cost for installation and maintenance, yet it’s the most manageable, with many countries adopting the practice with significant success.
New AG International invited four scientists specializing in soil salinization and varying solutions to share their perspectives on drip irrigation as a management tool.
– Dr. Itamar Nadav, head of Agronomy Research & Development Innovation with Netafim, in Israel.
– Dr. Karl Wyant, director of agronomy for Nutrien and contributor of many articles on soil salinization.
– Dr. Chantel Chizen, an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan, who studies saline soil management.
– Dr. Shayeb Shahariar, research biologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, who has studied the use of furrow irrigation.
Is drip irrigation the best solution for soil salinization? Dr. Nadav – Israel is its own “living lab” on irrigation, where more than 70 percent of the country’s wastewater is treated and reused for irrigation. Irrigating with drip is best suited for adding soil water content and reducing salt concentration and
osmotic potential, thereby increasing water uptake by plants.
Dr. Itamar Nadav, head of Agronomy Research & Development Innovation, Netafim
“Unlike other irrigation systems, drip irrigation can be triggered every day, several times a day to maintain the desired high soil water content. Drip irrigation is particularly effective in saline conditions because it maintains a consistently high soil water content around the roots. It’s not a standalone solution in every situation, and in some cases, it must be combined with complementary measures such as drainage, soil amendments or improved water quality.”
Dr. Wyant – “Drip irrigation lets you use slightly lower quality irrigation water, since the crops aren’t being physically damaged from overhead sprays (sprinklers and centre pivots) that can make contact with leaves and other plant parts. Applying water with drip lets you leach water over the topsoil in the exact place saline ions have been accumulating near the emitter, which makes the reclamation process more efficient compared to sprinkler or overhead irrigation if sufficient water volume is applied.”
Dr. Karl Wyant, director of agronomy, Nutrien
The increased availability of sensors and advances in soil science have added to the prospects for drip irrigation. Applied research during the past 100 years has advanced the study and measuring capabilities of chemical characteristics, including the presence of saline ions – sodium- or chlorine-dominant – in soil.
“Understanding saline (ions) or sodic (sodium) soils has never been easier; we have good laboratory techniques for calculating key salinity metrics, including electrical conductivity (EC), often measured in decisiemens per metre (dS/m) which are commonly reported on soil tests. You can also investigate
salinity issues on drip irrigation with a six-foot (two metre) soil auger, shovel and hand-held EC probes. The only caveat being you need to dig and sample the soil near the drip emitter to check for salinity issues the roots might be encountering.”
Is there a process to determine why salinity in soil is an issue – before it’s addressed? Dr. Chizen – If you can understand the process of how the salt is accumulating in the soil, it can definitely help guide management decisions. Some areas are naturally saline because of geological and groundwater influence. They would be difficult to convert from saline to non-saline because of the natural processes contributing to the soil salinity.
Dr. Chantel Chizen, assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan
“If salinity comes from anthropogenic (human-influenced) sources, it might be easier to address through changes in management, since you don’t necessarily have an ongoing natural process to contend with.”
She notes that drip irrigation is not a one-size-fits-all solution for highly saline soils; it can take considerable amounts of water to flush salts from the root zone. It may be futile if the salts eventually work their way back with the influence of groundwater. In one experiment, it was estimated that to flush salts from the top 30 cm (12 inches) of a highly saline soil across one acre would require more than the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Dr. Shahariar – Soils can be rich in salts due to the presence of carbonate minerals and feldspars in lacustrine sediments originating from parent rocks. Additionally, geological events or formations can elevate salt levels in groundwater.
This often happens when capillary action or evapotranspiration causes saline groundwater to rise, leading to the accumulation of dissolved salts near the surface, which is common in Canada’s Prairie provinces.
Dr. Shayeb Shahariar, research biologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Saskatoon Research and Development Centre
“The extent of these effects depends on factors like aquifer structure, hydraulic conductivity of geological layers and soil properties such as porosity, structure, clay content, compaction, infiltration rate, water storage capacity and hydraulic conductivity.”
Secondary salinization results from human activities, mainly irrigating with saline water or inappropriate irrigation methods, often combined with poor drainage. Moderate salinization can occur, even with water having an acceptable amount of soluble salts.
How challenging is it to use fertigation in a drip irrigation setting (given the presence of salts in fertilizer and in soils)? Dr. Nadav – Drip is firstly an irrigation method. Its added value is to incorporate high fertilizer applications – known as fertigation – which brings the essential nutrient straight to the root zone at the right dose and timing. But the use of fertigation requires some consideration which depends on crops and regions where soils are challenged by salinization.
“That leads to higher uptake efficiency and reduced leaching of mobile nutrients such as nitrate. In dry arid regions, irrigation is the greater focus due to the lack of rain. In wet climates, drip can be used mainly for fertigation, reducing nutrient leaching by heavy rains. Salinity can be managed successfully when high efficiency irrigation, correct agronomy and informed water quality strategies work together.”
Dr. Shahariar – Fertigation is possible and increasingly used in saline soils, particularly with drip irrigation. It’s considered more feasible in arid areas for managing salinity because it can reduce overall water use, improve water-use efficiency and prevent salts from accumulating in the immediate root zone.
“However, applying fertilizer to saline soil requires strict management, because fertilizer salts can significantly increase total soil salinity and negatively impact plant growth. Fertigation is also more suitable for vertical agriculture and indoor farming in greenhouse settings, where controlling nutrient solutions is crucial in soilless environments.”
Where would drip irrigation rank in the search for solutions to salinization (versus plant breeding)? Dr. Chizen – Drip irrigation and – irrigation, more broadly – are options in our tool kit for addressing salinity, as long as the water quality is non-saline. Whether it should be used relies on the nature of the soil salinity and the land use.
“If there is a naturally-occurring saline soil, then irrigation might not be the most sustainable solution to address the underlying cause unless used in combination with other practices. In the case of a naturally saline soil, we might opt to use a saline-tolerant crop that can keep the water table down to prevent further salinization.”
In work on drip irrigation in potatoes, Chizen tested varying nitrogen fertilizer rates and found the salinity stress with other soil properties limited the crop’s performance, without an observable yield difference.
Dr. Wyant – Years ago, an FAO report indicated specific soil EC values – by crop – with observed yield drops thereafter. Such research can help identify a reclamation program and direct reclamation dollars into crops where the corrective returns will be highest. For example, almond production is a better place to invest reclamation dollars with its sensitivity to salt, compared to cotton which is more salt insensitive and of lower crop value.
“Given that most of the specialty crops and the crops that we eat directly come from areas that use drip irrigation (e.g., central California and Israel) and have issues with salinization, there already exists a healthy research and development pipeline. That helps maintain good crop yields and profitability despite the added challenge of a lower-quality water source.” ●
Fertigation is possible and increasingly used in saline soils, particularly with drip irrigation.
By Janet Kanters
Rivulis has inaugurated what it calls the world’s largest and most advanced manufacturing facility dedicated to producing drippers and sprinklers – core components of micro-irrigation systems – as the company accelerates its strategy to expand global access to water-efficient farming technologies.
The new 7,000-square-meter Tzipporit plant in northern Israel houses more than 150 automated production and assembly lines and will produce millions of drippers and sprinklers daily for export to over 120 countries. The site represents a major technological and sustainability milestone for the company, integrating precision liquid-silicone-rubber (LSR) systems and advanced energy-management tools to enhance quality and operational efficiency.
“For more than 80 years, farmers around the world have trusted Rivulis for effective, reliable irrigation solutions that help them grow responsibly,” said Eran Ossmy, president of Rivulis. “This new factory marks the next step in that legacy – combining precision manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability to make micro irrigation more accessible and efficient.”
The company says the Tzipporit facility was built around green-industry principles, operating on renewable energy, recycled materials, and circular manufacturing practices designed to reduce emissions and eliminate industrial waste.
According to Adi Mannor Kiraly, chief sustainability and communications officer at Rivulis, the site is central to the company’s strategy to scale sustainable agriculture solutions globally.
“Rivulis is committed to expanding global access to micro irrigation for all types of growers,” she said. “Increased capacity at the new facility strengthens our ability to serve growers in every region – including emerging markets – supported by our existing network of 20 regional manufacturing sites and local sales and technical teams worldwide.”
Rivulis designed the facility to serve as an extension of its global R&D platform. “The facility is closely integrated with Rivulis’ R&D efforts,” said Mannor Kiraly. “Our product development teams work directly with our manufacturing operations, and the new site provides the necessary platform to support continued innovation in micro irrigation.”
She emphasized that the plant’s infrastructure was engineered for
long-term adaptability. “The factory’s infrastructure and equipment were built to be highly adaptable. This means we can integrate new production technologies and product platforms as they become available – without disrupting our ability to meet today’s strong and growing demand.”
Designed as a molding-based production system, the Tzipporit facility can shift quickly between product formats.
“Switching between different molds is a straightforward and well-established process,” Mannor Kiraly explained. “Typically, it takes a few hours to change molds and adjust the line for new dripper types or sprinkler configurations. This gives us the flexibility to respond quickly when regional or seasonal demands shift.”
Though the facility operates on an annual plan, she noted it undergoes quarterly adjustments to stay aligned with market conditions.
Rivulis reports that the facility completed its ramp-up throughout 2025 and is now running at full capacity. “The facility is now fully operational,” Mannor Kiraly said. “Ramp-up occurred throughout 2025, and the site is running at full capacity, reinforcing Rivulis’ global supply capabilities.”
Backed by Temasek, Rivulis’ main shareholder, the investment marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to scale precision-irrigation manufacturing and strengthen its role in global water-efficient agriculture.
With Tzipporit online, Rivulis says it is better positioned to deliver
advanced drip irrigation technologies to growers worldwide as water scarcity intensifies and demand for efficient irrigation systems accelerates. ●
Eran Ossmy, president of Rivulis.
Loveland Products, Inc. has launched AQUA FORCE, a new water efficiency product designed to help farmers using center pivot irrigation systems make the most of every drop.
Unlike traditional soil surfactants or wetting agents, AQUA FORCE improves how water moves through the soil, ensuring it stays in the root zone where crops need it most.
Built to address modern irrigation challenges, AQUA FORCE enhances water distribution, retention, and infiltration in the soil. By helping soil hold more water and reducing compaction, the company says the product supports higher yields and long-term soil health.
“Farmers are under more pressure than ever to do more with less water,” said Drew Butler, adjuvants portfolio manager at Loveland Products. “The Ogallala Aquifer alone can lose up to one to two feet of water each year, and that’s not sustainable. But AQUA FORCE helps farmers get the most out of every drop by improving how water interacts with the soil.”
In 2024, the Irrigation Research Foundation (IRF) in Yuma, Colorado, tested AQUA FORCE on corn using center pivot irrigation. The trials showed an average yield increase of nine bushels per acre across all production zones. Additionally, fields treated with AQUA FORCE in Oklahoma maintained higher soil moisture levels (0-6 inches) throughout the growing season, ensuring more water stayed available for crops and less was lost to evaporation or runoff.
“AQUA FORCE fills a gap in the market,” said Dr. Darin Lickfeldt, senior manager of technical development at Loveland Products. “It’s not just about getting water to the field; it’s about keeping it where it matters most. When irrigation water is applied, AQUA FORCE helps ensure it works harder, lasts longer, and supports better yield outcomes.” ●
Farmers can now access all their irrigation and agronomic data in one place, thanks to a new partnership between Reinke Manufacturing and CropX Technologies. The two companies have announced the integration of CropX’s advanced digital farm management tools into Reinke’s ReinCloud 3 platform, creating a seamless, single-platform experience for growers.
The integration allows farmers to view data from CropX’s suite of solutions – such as soil moisture sensors, evapotranspiration (ET) data, rain gauges, and weather stations – directly on the ReinCloud 3 interface. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple platforms, enabling farmers to make faster, more informed decisions about irrigation and crop management. Additionally, the integration works both ways, allowing Reinke’s as-applied irrigation data to flow into the CropX platform for agronomic analysis and reporting.
“We’re building technology that works together seamlessly because that’s what modern farming demands,” said Chris Roth, president of Reinke Manufacturing. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to making growers’ lives easier through smart innovation.”
Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX Technologies, highlighted the benefits of the collaboration: “CropX brings together soil sensing, satellite imagery, irrigation management, disease prediction, nutrient management, and yield forecasting, all powered by AI and machine learning. Now, farmers can access this complete agronomic intelligence directly where they’re already working, making better decisions faster.”
As part of the partnership, Reinke is offering a free CropX sensor with every new irrigation system, ensuring that farmers can immediately benefit from integrated soil and crop data insights. This initiative underscores the companies’ shared goal of simplifying farm management and improving efficiency.
Reinke and CropX have been working together since 2021 to enhance the grower experience through technology. Both companies are committed to further collaboration, with plans to deepen the integration of their platforms and continue reducing the complexity of modern farming. ●
Drip irrigation and – irrigation, more broadly – are options in our tool kit for addressing salinity,as long as the water quality is non-saline.
