What does soil salinity refer to?

Soil salinity specifically refers to the high concentration of soluble salts present in the soil. This phenomenon can occur due to various natural processes or human activities, including excessive irrigation, poor drainage, or the natural mineral composition of the soil. High salt levels can negatively impact plant growth by altering water availability and affecting nutrient uptake, as plants may struggle to absorb water when the soil is too saline. Managing soil salinity is crucial for agriculture and environmental health, particularly in areas where irrigation practices may contribute to salt accumulation.

The other options do not accurately describe soil salinity; low moisture content represents soil dryness rather than salt concentration, the presence of toxic minerals refers to harmful elements rather than salt levels, and a deficiency of nutrients indicates a lack of essential elements required for plant health, which is separate from the concept of salinity.