We estimate that 50% of Israel’s farmland lies on soils at risk of salinization or naturally saline soils. Reliance on reclaimed wastewater for irrigation, often with elevated salt and sodium levels, further accelerates salinization. Salinization harms soil structure, reduces productivity, and poses a serious threat to food security. The challenge is particularly acute in the heavy soils of the Jezreel Valley, where soil properties, shallow saline groundwater, and saline effluents combine to intensify the problem (Eshel et al., 2023). Although partial mitigation measures exist, a sustainable and effective solution remains elusive.
Service crops (also referred to as cover crops) have recently emerged as a promising tool for soil improvement. They are gaining popularity among farmers, particularly in orchards, and have received support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. However, their influence on salinization processes, and soil–water interactions remain poorly understood worldwide (Meyer et al., 2019).
This research aims to evaluate the potential of service crops as a practical tool for mitigating soil salinization and to provide farmers with strategies that protect soil health and strengthen food security. It is, conducted in filed crops plots with and without service crops, located at the Jezreel Valley. The study involves continuous monitoring of soil moisture dynamics in the upper soil profile 0–60 cm, monthly measurements of groundwater level and composition, and annual assessments of soil chemical changes in plots. Preliminary results indicate a reduction in soil salinity under plots with service crops.
