These tiny soil microbes could rescue crops from salty farmland

Researchers have uncovered an unexpected natural ally that could help farmers tackle one of agriculture's fastest growing challenges: salty soil.

A team including scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA), led by Chinese researcher Dr. Yanfen Zheng, found that naturally occurring soil bacteria can significantly improve plants' ability to survive in saline conditions.

The study also uncovered a previously unknown way these microbes protect crops such as maize, tomato, and rapeseed from salt stress. The discovery could eventually help farmers grow food on land that has become too salty for conventional agriculture.

Soil salinity threatens global agriculture

Salt buildup in farmland is becoming an increasingly serious problem because of climate change, irrigation practices, and rising sea levels. As salt accumulates in soil, it stunts plant growth, damages roots, and can sharply reduce crop yields.