Between 2012 and 2015 field trials were performed at the open-air laboratory of Salt Farm Texel in The Netherlands. Through its unique design, reliable field trials can be conducted under highly controlled conditions, irrigating crops with seven different salt concentrations, each replicated eight times. In this way it is possible to evaluate the crop salt tolerance of many different species and varieties. In this report the results of five potato varieties, seven carrot varieties, four onion varieties, three lettuce varieties, two cabbage varieties and one barley variety are presented. Root zone salinity levels were sufficiently constant within the season and seasonal average salinities were close to targeted values across all years. These findings are based on actual measurements of the root zone salinity, and a simple mass-balance model to provide insight in the inter-sample behavior. Plant yields show considerable variation at similar salinity levels but due to the high number of repetitions the salt tolerance can be charted in a reliable way. Results show that for some of the tested crop species, varieties exist with a larger salt tolerance than was assumed up until now. This implies that, at least on sandy soils using drip irrigation, these varieties can be cultivated under moderate saline conditions without loss in yield. It also opens perspectives for cultivation on moderately saline soils anywhere in the world.

Read more in the report.