PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE SOIL SALINIZATION PROCESS IN THE SÃO FRANCISCO VALLEY REGION

Resumo

Saline soils are a recurring problem for agricultural production in the São Francisco Valley region, causing loss of production, displacement of families in search of suitable land for planting, and financial losses. This study aimed to conduct a prospective analysis of the main technologies and effective alternatives for the bioremediation of saline soils in agricultural production zones, with a focus on the practical application of these technologies to benefit agricultural production in the São Francisco Valley region. For the preparation of this study, a qualitative research method was adopted, using searches in scientific articles and existing patent databases that address this type of functionality, based on Bardin's Content Analysis. Searches were conducted on the Periódicos Capes and Web of Science platforms, and patent consultations were carried out using the Orbit Intelligence® tool. As a result, three specific patents on the bioremediation of saline soils were identified, a low number considering the more than 220 studies already conducted on the topic. The technologies found consist of "in situ" applications, being used directly at the contaminated site due to irrigation issues, lack of adequate drainage, and anthropogenic actions. It is noticeable that there are still few patented technologies that apply bioremediation techniques to saline soils.