Objective Utilizing straw as fertilizer is an important approach for achieving green agricultural development and carbon reduction goals. Its potential for carbon emission reduction plays a critical role in China’s “dual carbon” targets. However, significant differences in regional resource endowments and utilization levels have led to a complex spatial distribution of this potential. This study aimed to systematically analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of China’s total straw resources, nutrient resources, and associated carbon emission reduction potential from straw fertilizer utilization. Furthermore, it investigated regional disparities, imbalances, and spatial correlations to provide scientific support for optimizing straw resource utilization policies and achieving national carbon reduction targets. Methods Based on crop production data from 31 provinces in China from 2014 to 2023,total straw resources and nutrient content were calculated using straw-to-grain ratios and nutrient coefficients. Carbon emission reduction potential was estimated using established carbon reduction factors. The Theil index quantified inter- and intra-regional imbalances, while global and local Moran’s I index analyzed spatial correlations and clustering patterns of carbon emission reduction potential. Results From 2014 to 2023,China’s total straw resources remained stable, with the highest abundance observed in northeastern and central agricultural regions, while eastern coastal and some western regions showed relatively lower levels. The carbon emission reduction potential of straw fertilizer utilization increased annually, rising from 18.15 million tons in 2014 to 20.00 million tons in 2023. Nitrogen-based nutrients contributed the most significantly, accounting for approximately 85% of the total reduction. Theil index analysis indicated narrowed regional disparities nationwide, although imbalances within eastern regions remained significant. Global Moran’s I index results revealed significant spatial clustering of carbon emission reduction potential, primarily characterized by “high-high” and “low-low” clustering patterns. Northeastern and central regions consistently demonstrated “high-high” clustering, with provinces such as Heilongjiang, Jilin, Jiangsu, and Shandong exhibiting strong carbon reduction potential. In contrast, eastern coastal and some western provinces, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Qinghai, displayed “low-low” clustering with limited potential. Local spatial autocorrelation analysis further identified dynamic provincial transitions, such as Liaoning shifting from “low-high” to “high-high,” and Jiangxi transitioning from “high-low” to “low-low”. Conclusion This study revealed the spatiotemporal distribution and regional disparities in carbon emission reduction potential from straw fertilizer utilization in China, highlighting the importance of policies and technological promotion in enhancing regional carbon reduction efficiency. While straw resource utilization in northeastern and central regions required further consolidation,eastern and western low-potential areas need improved resource allocation and technical support to narrow regional gaps and achieve balanced national carbon reduction potential. Future efforts should prioritize regional collaboration and policy guidance to optimize straw resource utilization, thereby supporting China’s green agricultural development and “dual carbon” goals.
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