Productivity of saline soils can be improved by integrating soil–crop system management

Appropriate field management strategies are essential for improving crop productivity and promoting agricultural sustainability in saline–alkaline soils. To explore the potential of synergistic soil improvement and optimal crop management for agricultural production, this study evaluated crop yield, resource utilization, and soil quality in a field experiment with monoculture spring maize cultivation in a coastal saline soil region from 2015 to 2019. Compared with farmers’ practices, improved soil management (gypsum/cattle manure), crop management (variety/density), and a combination of both (ISCM) significantly decreased the sodium content, sodium removal rate, and pH by 51.5–60.2, 9.5–35.2, and 9.9 %, respectively, which increased soil organic carbon and total nitrogen by 31.9 and 22.2 %, respectively. Overall, ISCM was the most prominent in processing. As a result, ISCM increased yield and partial factor productivity of nitrogen by 37.2 and 94.5 %, respectively, and reduced N fertilizer use by 28.6 %. Therefore, soil–crop management, particularly the ISCM strategy, can successfully improve the saline soil environment, increase agricultural productivity, and achieve sustainability under intensive farming practices on saline land. • Proposed a new management strategy for coastal saline soils by integrating soil-crop system management (ISCM). • Compared to farmers’ practices (FP), crop management had a considerable effect on the spring maize yield. • Compared to FP, improved soil management significantly decreased the sodium content and increased the soil organic carbon. • ISCM reduces chemical fertilizer inputs and mitigates environmental impacts, promoting sustainable agriculture.