Describing this study, Goddard said they have “emulated the east of England 20 years from now” using existing rainfall patterns.
He said the experiment set out of find out whether they could “teach soils and prepare soils to be ready for one particular aspect of climate change, which is sea level rises”.
According to the scientist, the study showed that by exposing soils to low levels of saline irrigation, it encouraged “naturally occurring microbial communities” within the soil to adapt over time.
He said these adapted communities were better able to function under increased salinisation, helping established crops continue to grow and maintain yields, where higher salinity would normally have a damaging effect.
Goddard added: “This approach could be integrated with other methods into a holistic management approach that could help secure food systems for future climate change conditions in a sustainable way.”
The scientists will now look at how salinity reacts with fertilisers, and how it reacts with crop pathogens, with early research suggesting increased salinity could help reduce potentials blights.
Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.
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