Soil health constitutes the fundamental pillar of agro-ecosystem resilience and remains a critical prerequisite for global food security amid contemporary climate change. This study evaluates the impact of soil degradation through salinization within Romania’s Macroregion 4, encompassing the South-West Oltenia and West development regions. It is an area characterized by extensive agricultural land and complex pedological diversity. The research focuses on the mechanisms of secondary salinization, using data sets compiled under the ADER 20.1.1./2023 project. An integrated methodology, combining classical soil analysis with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques, was employed to identify vulnerable areas, such as the Socodor Plain in Arad County and the alluvial plains of the Danube and Jiu rivers. The findings highlight a direct correlation between suboptimal irrigation infrastructure management and the acceleration of secondary salinization via capillary rise – a phenomenon further exacerbated by recurring drought conditions. It was noticed that the elevation of the mineralized groundwater table to critical depths (below 2 meters) facilitates salt deposition within the fertile horizon, subsequently reducing the yield of primary crops. This study proposes a calibration of critical thresholds for key chemical indicators, specifically electrical conductivity (ECe) and the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), providing a harmonized monitoring framework aligned with the objectives of the EU Soil Strategy for 2030. The analysis underscores the urgent need for a transition toward conservation agriculture and ecological restoration through shelterbelts to mitigate aridization. Ultimately, the study’s conclusions provide decision-making support for prioritizing investments in drainage system rehabilitation and the implementation of no-till technologies, both essential for preserving national soil capital and adapting to increasing aridity in South-West and West Romania.

soil health, soil salinization, secondary salinization, Macroregion 4

agronomy

Presentation: poster