The Soil Science Society of Ghana is urging the government to subsidise irrigated water supply in saline soil areas.

President, Dr. Francis Tetteh believes the move will be crucial in improving agricultural productivity.

“Use of quality water is costly. When they want to irrigate it comes at a cost, if that water can be subsidized it will go a long way to improve crop production in these areas,” he said.

He made these revelations at the Annual general meeting of the society of Ghana as part of activities to mark this year's World Soil Day.

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation, over 833 million hectares of soils are affected globally by salt.

The figure represents 9 percent of the world's total land surface area.

An estimated 200,000 ha of salt-affected soils in Ghana are saline, with 36,790 ha located within the Lower Volta Basin.

Coastal areas like Ada, Anloga, Afife and in some irrigated sites contain, and are affected by salt-affected soils.

Salt affected soil contain saline, sodic and saline-sodic

These substances contain excessive amounts of soluble salt that affect plants' water absorptions from the soil. Thereby affecting agricultural production and food security.

The phenomenon also causes insufficient annual rainfall.

Sodic soil weakens soil structure and reduces hydraulic conductivity.

The celebration themed “Halt Soil Salinization, Boost soil productivity”, aims to create awareness of ecosystem importance.

The campaign encourages societies to Improve soil health.

AG Director of Soil Research Institute (CSIR –SRI), Dr. Edward Yeboah encouraged the society to collaborate with relevant institutions for national development.

“As a society, we can be more impactful if we link up with relevant stakeholders and institutions.

“That way, the SSSG can have some degree of influence on policies, programmes and projects of national importance,” he said.

He also advised them to “author soil tailored textbooks and other educational materials for students to inspire soil science education, research and outreach in Ghana.”