The current situation and research progress of comprehensive utilization of cotton straw

China stands as one of the world's foremost producers of cotton, generating vast quantities of cotton stalks as agricultural byproducts. These stalks represent a highly abundant and renewable resource, with significant potential for exploitation across multiple domains due to their versatile applications and considerable economic value. However, the scientific and rational utilization of cotton stalk resources - to achieve efficient resource use, reduce production costs, and promote sustainable agricultural development - remains an urgent challenge. Based on statistical data and literature review, this article analyzes and summarizes the utilization methods and research progress of the five transformations of cotton stalk in China (fertilization, feed production, energy conversion, substrate preparation, and material utilization). The investigation demonstrates that regarding fertilization, cotton stalk can be effectively incorporated into agricultural systems through field-returning techniques, controlled fermentation processes, or high-temperature pyrolysis, all contributing to improved soil structure and enhanced nutrient availability. Concerning feed utilization, properly processed cotton stalk show potential as supplementary feed for ruminant livestock, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional feed materials. When employed as cultivation substrates, cotton stalk exhibit favorable characteristics for supporting plant growth in soilless cultivation systems. Regarding fuel utilization, advanced bioconversion methods including anaerobic digestion and solid-state fermentation enable transformation of cotton stalk into renewable energy sources such as biogas and bioethanol. Furthermore, in industrial raw material applications, cotton stalk serve as viable feedstock for manufacturing paper products, fiberboard, and similar engineered materials, thereby reducing dependence on traditional wood resources. However, there are still problems with the current utilization of cotton stalk, such as difficulties in collection, immature technology, high costs, and incomplete industrial chain, and insufficient awareness among farmers regarding comprehensive utilization. Despite these potential applications, persistent obstacles impede large-scale adoption of cotton stalk utilization strategies. Principal challenges include logistical difficulties in collection and transportation, insufficient mature and cost-efficient processing technologies, elevated operational costs, fragmented supply chains, and limited farmer awareness regarding economic and ecological benefits of cotton stalk recycling. To address these limitations, this study proposes implementing an integrated technology - industry - policy framework. The efficient utilization of cotton stalk resources is promoted by strengthening the technology research and development of comprehensive utilization of cotton stalk, optimizing the structure of the industrial chain, and improving policy support. This research provides valuable insights into the current state of cotton stalk utilization and proposes actionable recommendations to optimize its application, thereby contributing to the long - term sustainability of cotton production systems.