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Review Article
Review on Impacts of Soil Salinity and Sodicity on Crop Yield and Management Option
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-12
Received:
10 October 2025
Accepted:
25 October 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
Abstract: Soil salinity is a major environmental and agronomic challenge that severely constrains crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation. As global food demand increases and irrigated agriculture continues to expand, the extent and severity of salt-affected soils are intensifying worldwide. This review synthesizes the current understanding of the causes, types, and mechanisms of soil salinization, while assessing its physiological and agronomic impacts on major crop species. It highlights how excessive accumulation of soluble salts in the root zone alters soil osmotic potential, inhibits water and nutrient uptake, and disrupts key plant metabolic functions such as photosynthesis and protein synthesis. The resulting physiological stress leads to poor germination, stunted growth, and significant yield reductions. Human-induced factors including inefficient irrigation, poor drainage, deforestation, industrial effluents, and inappropriate fertilizer use are further accelerating secondary salinization. The review also distinguishes between saline, sodic, and saline sodic soils, describing their chemical characteristics, formation mechanisms, and implications for plant growth and soil structure. Furthermore, the responses of both cash crops (cotton, tomato, sugarcane, and sunflower) and subsistence crops (wheat, rice, maize, and sorghum) to varying salinity levels are discussed, highlighting differences in species and varietal tolerance. Finally, the paper underscores the importance of integrated soil and water management practices including leaching, gypsum application, biological reclamation using halophytic grasses, and improved irrigation efficiency to mitigate the impacts of salinity and sodicity. Strengthening farmer awareness, promoting sustainable land management, and adopting innovative technologies for monitoring soil salinity are essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in affected regions.
Abstract: Soil salinity is a major environmental and agronomic challenge that severely constrains crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation. As global food demand increases and irrigated agriculture continues to expand, the extent and severity of salt-affected soils are intensifying worldwide...
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Case Report
Mangrove Forest Rehabilitation in Kilifi County, Kenya
Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili*
,
Douglas Bwire,
James Mburu,
Mwamutsi Nasib Ali,
Kioko Nzioki,
Lorna Nyaga,
Ivy Amugune,
Safi Ibrahim,
Eunice Maina
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
23-34
Received:
2 May 2025
Accepted:
13 May 2025
Published:
4 February 2026
Abstract: Mangrove ecosystems face numerous conservation challenges due to human-induced pressures, climate change, and natural disruptions. This paper discusses the restoration initiatives and obstacles encountered in conserving mangroves in Kilifi County, Kenya. Between 2019 and 2024, significant progress was recorded in various restoration sites across the county, with the planting of over 16 million propagules and seedlings. The main species targeted for restoration included Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora mucronata, and Avicennia marina, with efforts largely centered on mangrove rehabilitation. Restoration activities were carried out in key areas such as Kanagoni, Ngomeni, Kilifi Creek, and Mida Creek. The adoption of innovative techniques, such as enrichment planting, contributed to the overall success of these initiatives. Despite these positive outcomes, several challenges emerged. Environmental pressures, including damage by crabs and grazing animals, negatively affected seedling survival. Limited resources hindered the expansion of restoration efforts, while poor access to remote areas posed difficulties for consistent monitoring. Additionally, the lack of structured collaboration frameworks often delayed stakeholder coordination, and illegal practices such as unregulated logging continued to threaten long-term sustainability. The paper recommends establishing clear and effective collaboration frameworks that outline stakeholder roles and responsibilities. This would improve coordination, and support timely execution of projects. Strengthening partnerships with local communities is also encouraged, as their involvement in sourcing planting materials and participating in restoration activities can foster a sense of ownership and motivate sustained engagement.
Abstract: Mangrove ecosystems face numerous conservation challenges due to human-induced pressures, climate change, and natural disruptions. This paper discusses the restoration initiatives and obstacles encountered in conserving mangroves in Kilifi County, Kenya. Between 2019 and 2024, significant progress was recorded in various restoration sites across th...
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Research Article
The Impact of Human Encroachment in the Habitat of Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) in Mbam et Djerem National Park, Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
35-43
Received:
9 January 2026
Accepted:
22 January 2026
Published:
24 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20261101.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study explores the relationship between vegetation quality and human encroachment in the habitat of the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) at Mbam et Djerem National Park, Cameroon. As a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna, the park faces increasing pressure from human activities, including agriculture, logging, and settlement expansion. Our research aim was to assess how these activities impact vegetation quality and subsequently affect hippopotamus populations. Research data collection was based on categorizing various methods of human encroachment. Our findings indicate that regions experiencing high levels of encroachment exhibited significant declines in vegetation quality, which may limit the availability of food sources for hippopotamuses. Additionally, we conducted interviews with local communities to understand their perceptions of wildlife and land use. The results reveal a complex interplay between conservation efforts and the socioeconomic needs of local populations. The vegetation quality revealed a significant association on photo-period X2 = 19.917 df=4 P=0.001, animals habitat X2 = 21.138 df=4 P=0.000, River-water quality X2 = 10.687 df=4 P=0.03, and animal behavior X2 = 19.912 df=4 P=0.001 respectively. Additionally, human encroachment into the animals habitat recorded a significant link on food resources r=0.195 P<0.05, animal behavior X2 = 3.063 df=4 P<0.05, and Conservation Measures X2 = 9.363 df=4 P<0.05 respectively. Also, fuel-wood gathering 50% recorded the highest encroachment threat, while poaching 38% and crop-farming 12% recorded the least threats respectively. This study emphasized the urgent need for integrated management strategies that balance human development and wildlife conservation to ensure the long-term survival of hippopotamus populations in Mbam et Djerem National Park. Our findings contribute to the broader discourse on habitat conservation in the face of anthropogenic pressures in Central Africa.
Abstract: This study explores the relationship between vegetation quality and human encroachment in the habitat of the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) at Mbam et Djerem National Park, Cameroon. As a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna, the park faces increasing pressure from human activities, including agriculture, logging, and settlement expa...
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