A new study led by Dr. Duo Jia from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has found an eco-friendly way to improve damaged farmland by using cotton straw—a common leftover from cotton farming.

Traditionally, cotton straw is discarded or burned, contributing to waste and pollution. However, this research shows that it can be repurposed to “improve saline-alkali soils, which are difficult to farm due to high salt content and poor soil structure.”

By applying cotton straw to these soils, the land can slowly regain its health, becoming more fertile and suitable for crops. Additionally, this approach offers a sustainable solution to managing agricultural waste. Rather than viewing it as a problem, the study highlights how farm by-products can play a role in protecting the environment and promoting greener farming practices.

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