Abstract:

The traditional sowing of cotton in southern Xinjiang needs spring irrigation or winter irrigation for salt suppression to ensure the seedling emergence, but the water consumption is large. The ‘dry sowing and wet emergence’ model has emerged as an innovative approach, enabling precise water management to reduce consumption while effectively regulating soil salt-alkali distribution and ensuring normal cotton growth. Current research on regional adaptability of this mode remains preliminary. This study systematically reviewed existing progress, discussed optimal irrigation volume and frequency under this model, and summarized its regulatory mechanisms on soil salt distribution dynamics, physical structure, moisture dynamics, and cotton growth. Production practices and literature analysis demonstrate that this model maintains soil salinity within suitable ranges for cotton development. Future research directions are proposed, including climate-adaptive planting patterns, the intelligent irrigation monitoring, combined application of soil amendments, and microbial regulation.

Key words: ‘dry sowing and wet emergence’, soil salinity, cotton, yield, water utilization