Salinity affects almost all aspects of plant development including germination, vegetative growth and reproductive development. Soil salinity imposes ion toxicity, osmotic stress, nutrient (N, Ca, K, P, Fe, Zn) deficiency and oxidative stress on plants, and thus limits water uptake from soil. Soils high in exchangeable (readily available) sodium relative to calcium and magnesium are called sodic soils, and their soil pH usually exceeds 8.5. Sodic soils are sometimes evident because of a dark or white crust on the soil surface and slow water penetration. Sodium may damage roots through direct toxicity and kill sensitive plants. High levels of sodium can destroy the aggregate structure of fine- and medium-textured soils. This decreases porosity and prevents soil from holding sufficient air and water needed for plant growth. Here is an interesting publication on the topic:

https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/ENVIRON/salttoxicity.html