Attenuating the negative effects of irrigation with saline water on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) by application of straw biological-reactor

•Straw biological-reactor (SBR) decreased salt accumulation in the soil.•SBR improved soil chemical properties in the root zone of cucumber.•SBR reduced the negative effects of saline water on cucumber growth.•SBR may be used to enhance crop growth under salinity conditions.