Optimising irrigation strategies to improve soil water-salt distribution characteristics and enhance the cotton emergence rate of “dry sowing and wet emergence”

In summary, optimizing irrigation strategies (applying 15 mm of water on both the first and eighth days after sowing) improved soil water-salt distribution in the 0-20 cm soil layer by enhancing water retention capacity and promoting salt leaching, thereby increasing cotton emergence rates. This study provides theoretical and practical foundations for water-saving irrigation and water-salt regulation in cotton fields in southern Xinjiang.