In the context of global food security, the development and utilization of saline-alkali land emerges as a crucial strategic priority for ChinaWith a staggering area of approximately 1.5 billion mu (an old Chinese measurement unit; roughly equal to 0.165 billion hectares), the country's saline-alkali land represents an underexploited resource that holds immense potential for agricultural advancementsOut of this, about 300 to 400 million mu is identified as having significant potential for reclamation and improvementTherefore, enhancing the quality and use of these lands could play a vital role in increasing the country's arable land reserves.

The significance of effectively managing saline-alkali lands extends beyond mere agricultural utility; it is intricately linked to national food security, rural revitalization, and sustainable developmentFor years, the Chinese government has prioritized the management of such lands, resulting in millions of mu witnessing an increase in grain yield by over 100 kilograms per mu on average due to decades of persistent efforts

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This has underscored the understanding that to unlock the full potential of saline-alkali land resources, there is a critical need for more intensive theoretical and technological research, as well as for developing specialized industries suited for these regions, driving high-quality agricultural growth across saline-alkali areas.

Recent advancements in technology have sparked a revolution in the cultivation of saline-alkali soilsThe development of salt-tolerant crop varieties has played a significant role in advancing the reclamation processes; selective breeding has yielded high-quality grains capable of thriving in harsher conditions, opening pathways to broader agricultural viabilityInnovations in irrigation techniques have also proven fundamental, particularly the advancements in the use of saline and brackish water for agriculture, which provide critical resources for optimizing soil salinity and enhancing water use efficiency

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Furthermore, the formulation of specialized fertilizers tailored for salt-affected soils has contributed to building resilient agricultural technology systems, focusing on effective salinity management and fertility improvementThis adaptive approach extends to creating categorized management strategies tailored to different saline-alkali areas, emphasizing more refined and targeted farming practices.

As the future unfolds, it is essential to fully capitalize on modern molecular breeding techniques to implement synergistic systems of quality seed and management practices, thereby accelerating the breeding progress and application of salt-tolerant crops—ranging from grains, oils, fibers, to green fertilizers

Establishing a holistic view of food systems will also reinforce the development and utilization of salt-appropriate specialty plants and economic halophytesAddressing the challenges posed by the scarcity of suitable crop varieties and cultivation techniques will require the establishment of effective planting methods tailored for saline-alkali areas, accounting for diverse conditions in terms of water availability, soil characteristics, and crop planting frameworksEfforts should be systematically directed towards effective land cultivation, optimized use of organic fertilizers, and the development of agronomic tools tailored to improve land preparation, leveling, sowing, fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting efficiency.

Utilizing the latest remote sensing technologies and big data analytics to assess the comprehensive utilization of water resources in saline-alkali areas allows us to formulate detailed resource capacity evaluations