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Salinity is a growing concern across Western Canada, affecting over 2.5 million acres in Saskatchewan alone. It’s not just a patchy problem – it’s a production and profitability problem, costing farmers an estimated $500 million annually.
How Salinity Develops
When you are investigating salinity, you have to understand water. How water enters and moves in soil results in the accumulation of salts in concentration in areas of fields. Salinity also often builds up in poorly structured soils with inadequate drainage. Without strong aggregation and biological activity, salts accumulate around roots, creating a hostile environment for plant growth.
Impacts of Salinity
Excess salts in the soil disrupt water and nutrient uptake, impacting plant development. Even when the soil looks wet, plants can’t access moisture because high salt concentrations prevent water and nutrients from entering the roots – a phenomenon known as osmotic stress. Even when the soil looks wet, plants can’t access moisture because high salt concentrations pull water away from roots – a phenomenon known as osmotic stress.
The consequences are severe:
- Yield reductions of 30–50% in cereals and oilseeds.
- Increased plant stress and vulnerability to disease.
- Limited crop rotation options.
Soil Biology Matters
Beneficial microbes can help buffer roots against salt stress. Mycorrhizal fungi extend root reach, improving access to water and nutrients even in saline zones. Plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) enhance nutrient uptake and reduce stress.
H-Start delivers a powerful microbial inoculant that:
- Improves soil aggregation for better drainage.
- Supports fungi and bacteria that protect roots from impacts of salinity.
- Enhances nutrient cycling in challenging conditions.
Salinity doesn’t have to dictate your yield potential. By rebuilding soil biology, you can create a healthier rooting zone and reduce the impact of salts on your crop.
Discover how H-Start supports plants to reduce the impact of salinity and improve soil health over time.