Straw and biochar enhance cotton yield by regulating the Na+ -K+ balance in salinized soil and cotton and leaf photosynthesis-antioxidant processes

Key Points

• To investigate how straw and biochar impact cotton yield by regulating Na+-K+ balance under salt stress.
• Carbon addition through straw and biochar in salinized soil.
• Analysis of photosynthetic and antioxidant processes in cotton plants.
• Evaluation of Na+-K+ physiology for yield regulation.
• Photosynthetic efficiency improved with K+ mediation under salt stress.
• Biochar application significantly enhanced cotton yield in saline conditions.
• Na+-K+ balance regulation was activated, leading to better yield outcomes.