Impact of Global Climate Change on Soil Properties and Water Resources: Review Article

Iraq is one of the countries affected by global climate change. Drought and salinity are two main issues that affect agricultural productivity in Iraq, and they affect up to 70 % of irrigated lands. High temperatures, evaporation, poor irrigation practices, and poor drainage have led to high levels of groundwater and increased soil salinity and water. The article aims to study the effect of climate change on soil salinity and the amount of irrigation water in Iraq, and thus a decrease in the production of strategic crops such as wheat and barley. Many researchers have pointed out strategies that can mitigate the effects of salinity and drought. These strategies are related to water, soil, and humans. One of these strategies is using genetic engineering and agricultural biotechnology, plant breeders may create new genetic variations of drought and salinity tolerance, such as wheat and barley. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.