Technical Abstract: This article reviews the processes which cause salinity, such as mineral weathering, dissolution of native salts and evaporation with insufficient drainage. Hazards are increased with irrigation due to input of large amounts of salt in the irrigation water and increased need for drainage. Change in land use, such as conversion of forest lands to annual crops, may decrease water use causing rise of water table or recharge to lower lying lands and subsequent salinization. Management options for controlling salinity are listed.