Anthropogenic desertification in the countries within the Aral Sea basin is primary determined by the salinity of irrigated soils. This paper is focused on the issues of remote monitoring of the salinity of irrigated lands. It is shown that the given problem has become very acute not only in Central Asia but also in the southern part of Russia. The experience gained in studying the soil salinity under cotton plantations can be applicable for soil monitoring in the other regions including the irrigated soils in the south of Russia.