Alkali-treated wheat straw refers to a process where wheat straw, the stalks remaining after the grain has been harvested, is treated with an alkaline solution to modify its properties. This treatment involves soaking the wheat straw in a solution containing alkali, such as sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide.

The purpose of alkali treatment is to break down and remove certain components of the wheat straw, particularly lignin. Lignin is a complex polymer that provides structural support to plants but is indigestible for many animals and can hinder the utilization of other nutrients present in the straw.