Global food security is under increasing pressure due to climate change-induced environmental stressors: salinization, droughts, and waterlogging (SDAW). These stressors are already causing economic losses, environmental degradation, and societal problems. One promising adaptation strategy involves the transition to more resilient agricultural systems based on crop selection and management, referred to in this study as Salt-Resilient Agricultural Systems (SRAS). However, current knowledge about SRAS transitions is often based on single aspects, limited in scope, and mostly focused on global scales.
A practical spatial approach is needed that combines SRAS knowledge with local data, helping decision-makers understand which SRAS options are feasible, where they are suitable, and what their implementation implies for key stakeholders. This was achieved by answering the question: ‘Which salt-resilient agricultural systems are potentially suitable for areas increasingly affected by salinization, drought, and waterlogging, and how can their spatial suitability be assessed and interpreted based on soil types and climate projections?’
To address this question, the case study Schouwen-Duiveland was investigated, because this region is already exposed to SDAW stressors. Both current conditions and a high 2050 climate scenario were assessed. This desk study developed a spatial suitability framework to evaluate the potential of SRAS based on four key factors: salinity levels, drought stress, waterlogging stress, and soil type.
Through a combination of literature review and geospatial analysing in QGIS, three promising SRAS approaches were identified for Schouwen-Duiveland. These include: 1.) Salt-tolerant crop rotation, which adapts conventional agricultural practices to include crops with higher salinity tolerance. 2.) Halophyte (plants that thrive on saline soils) intercropping or rotation, which can improve soil health by taking up salt from the soil while enabling cultivation of conventional crops. 3.) Agroforestry, a system based on trees or shrubs, which provides a higher tolerance to both drought and waterlogging, while also increasing biodiversity and potentially total yields.
Due to several data and knowledge gaps, assumptions had to be made, which reduce the robustness of the outcomes. Therefore, this study should be seen as an exploratory assessment rather than a set of definitive guidelines. Nevertheless, the results highlight the potential of these systems and emphasize the need for sustainable water management and location-specific guidelines, considering the local variability of stressors.
The spatial suitability maps were interpreted from both scientific and societal perspectives and are recognized as a tool to initiate social dialogue around the SRAS transition. These spatial guidelines can serve as practical tools for both policymakers and farmers.
Achieving a full transition requires increasing the readiness for change, starting with small-scale field experiments initiated by farmers, supported by policymakers who share the risks. Other key aspects include collaboration and knowledge sharing between stakeholders, which are essential for gaining further insights and improving spatial suitability assessment.
Despite its limitations, this study provides a foundation for a practical tool to assess local SRAS suitability. It contributes to informed discussions for SRAS transitions and ultimately supports the development of climate-resilient agriculture that strengthens long-term food security.