New review article: biological approaches hold promise in tackling salinity stress – structured knowledge provides foundation for future research

A growing problem – and a growing field of research
More than one billion hectares of land worldwide are already affected by soil salinisation – and the trend is increasing. In their review, the authors analyse how agricultural biologicals and beneficial microorganisms can support plants in coping with salinity stress. Key mechanisms such as osmoregulation, ion homeostasis, hormone regulation and antioxidative defence systems are examined in detail.

Systematic analysis with concrete recommendations for action
A particular focus of the review lies on the integration of existing studies across different plant growth stages – from seed treatment to seedling development and the vegetative phase – as well as on the combined application of microbial consortia and biostimulants. The authors also critically reflect that many of the approaches reviewed have yet to be tested under real field conditions. They therefore call for targeted field trials, especially considering the natural heterogeneity of saline soils.

Another key contribution of the paper is its strategic outlook for research: the authors recommend an increased use of ‘omics’-based technologies to better understand microbial interactions in the soil, as well as a focus on naturally occurring combinations of stress factors, such as salinity, drought and heat.

Contribution to the European research community
The publication is a result of the European COST Action network “SUSTAIN” (CA22144), and brings together the expertise of partner institutions from Germany, Spain, Slovakia, Hungary and Turkey. This COST Action aims to develop sustainable strategies for restoring the productivity of salt-affected soils through a transdisciplinary network of scientific experts in salinity research.

“Our review brings structure to a dynamic but fragmented field of research,” explains first author Dr Katja Witzel (IGZ). “It not only serves as a repository of knowledge, but also clearly identifies which questions now need to be systematically addressed – so that biological potential can be translated into practical solutions.”

Further information:

• Open access article: Witzel, K., Motos, J.R.A., Atay, E. et al. Leveraging microorganisms and biostimulants: mitigating salinity stress in crops with agricultural biologicals. Plant Soil (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07578-1
• COST Action SUSTAIN: https://sustaincostaction.eu/