The growing trend of saltwater intrusion and its impact on coastal agriculture: Challenges and opportunities
Qiong Su, Rohit Dilip Kambale, Jing‐Hua Tzeng, Gary Amy, David A. Ladner, R. Karthikeyan
Abstract
Saltwater intrusion (SWI) into coastal agricultural lands represents a growing threat to agricultural productivity, ecosystem stability, and local economies. This phenomenon, affecting coastal surface and ground waters, is driven by intensified natural processes and anthropogenic factors under a changing climate. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the drivers and trends of SWI and their impacts on the transition of coastal agricultural systems. We emphasize the importance of developing salt-tolerant crop varieties and implementing controlled environment agriculture to maintain agricultural productivity in affected coastal regions. Additionally, we discuss the role of marsh migration (i.e., allowing marshes to migrate into agricultural lands) in enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience, and protecting remaining farmlands from SWI. This review highlights the urgent need for multidisciplinary research, strategic policy frameworks, and community engagement to ensure the sustainability of future coastal agriculture in the face of increasing SWI challenges. • Natural and anthropogenic-driven saltwater intrusion will intensify with climate change. • Salt-tolerant crops and hydroponic CEA sustain productivity in salinized regions. • Marsh migration enhances ecosystems and shields inland areas from salinization. • Adaptation strategies need site-specific evaluations for economic viability. • Research, policy, and education must align to ensure sustainable coastal agriculture.