Abstract

Excessive salts in the soil lead to a series of metabolic disorders in cotton plants mainly due to osmotic effects (dehydration), nutritional imbalance and toxicity of salt ions (Na⁺ and Cl^-). The metabolic disorders may finally reduce cotton growth and lint yield, particularly, in moderate to highly saline soils. Although, an improvement in the salinity tolerance of cotton through genetic breeding is believed to be potentially useful for combating salinity stress and agronomic practices that improve at least part of the root-zone environment and is currently considered as more practical options for reducing salinity effects. This review highlighted agronomic practices like furrow seeding, plastic mulching, increased plant density and fertilizer management; and how they reduce salinity effects on cotton. Further research should focus on understanding the supply and uptake characteristics of water and fertilizer, and the development of new products for cotton growing in saline soils.

Key words: Cotton, soil salinity, salinity stress, agronomic practices, root zone.