The current age is an era of rapid strides in scientific endeavours and communication. The subject of plant growth in salt affected soils is no exception. The research in this fascinating area had been multifaceted. The amplitude of approach encompassed prokaryotic micro-organisms to complex higher plants. Crop plants, being economically important, occupied the center stage. We were prompted to present this book primarily to give an exposure to readers of the important stances adopted by the disciplines namely, Soil science, Agronomy, Plant Physiology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology. It was also intended that certain emerging areas with new plant types should be introduced. In this context chapters on medicinal and aromatic plants, grasses and forage crops,, micro organisms and plant growth and toxic ions have been included. The chapters were also invited to highlight interfaces of basic and applied disciplines so that one may realise the gradual and subtle transformation of science into technology.

While superimposing the notion of sustainability on the accessibility to knowledge, the book is a modest endeavour to present the state of art to the students and research workers interested in salinity. Apparently there were more than one aspirations to approach various scientists for summing-up their experiences and to review the present trends. While expressing our gratitude to worthy contributors and the publisher, we urge our readers to communicate their suggestions so that this dynamic field may again be approached with desired additions.