The Role of Calcium in Salinity Stress Alleviation: Mechanisms and Implications

Abstract

Soil salinity is a significant Abiotic component that hinders food growth. A lot of study has been done to make plants that can handle saltiness better. Many parts of a plant's body are affected by salinity stress. Salinity stress is a main challenge in agriculture, negatively impacting crop growth and productivity. Calcium is an imperative part of processes that keep plant cell membranes structurally and functionally intact. It also helps keep cell walls stable, controls the movement and selection of ions, and manages the activity of cell wall enzymes and ions exchanging. This review explores how Ca alleviates the salinity stress, including its roles in ion homeostasis, antioxidant defense, and regulating stress-responsive genes. Furthermore, the review discusses the crosstalk between Ca and other signalling molecules, highlighting the complexity of Ca-mediated responses to salinity stress. Additionally, the practical implications of Ca application in agriculture are examined, particularly in enhancing salinity tolerance in crops. Despite the potential benefits, challenges such as the specificity of Ca signalling and interactions with other ions present hurdles that need to be addressed for effective implementation. Understanding Ca's pivotal role in salinity stress alleviation is essential for upcoming Policies that improve the resilience of crops in saline environments.