[Objective] The effects of different fertilization treatments on vegetation restoration, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial characteristics in the Hulunbuir sandy land were investigated in order to identify suitable soil improvement measures for areas with different degrees of desertification, and to provide a theoretical basis for restoration of the Hulunbuir sandy land. [Methods] Mildly, moderately, and severely desertified areas in the Hulunbuir sandy land were selected as the study sites. Six treatments were established: control(CK), chemical fertilizer alone(MF), chemical fertilizer combined with water-retaining and binding agents(MA), organic fertilizer alone(OF), partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer(MO), and combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers with water-retaining and binding agents(MOA). The effects of different fertilization treatments on vegetation cover, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial characteristics were investigated. [Results] ① With increasing desertification severity, soil pH value, water content, soil nutrient indicators(including dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and available phosphorus), and microbial activity indicators(including basal respiration, substrate-induced respiration, and soil enzyme activities) all decreased significantly.② The fertilization treatments increased vegetation cover from 48.33% to 59.81%—94.63% in mildly desertified areas, from 25.93% to 83.39%—91.85% in moderately desertified areas, and from 5.56% to 74.07%—97.96% in severely desertified areas. Overall, treatments combining organic fertilizer with water-retaining and binding agents showed better vegetation restoration effects.③ All fertilization treatments increased soil available nitrogen and phosphorus contents and microbial activity. Vegetation cover was significantly and positively correlated with soil ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, microbial substrate-induced respiration, and the activities of β-1,4-glucosidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, and acid phosphatase. [Conclusion] Considering both vegetation restoration effectiveness and soil nutrient improvement levels, MA is suitable for mildly desertified areas, MOA for moderately desertified areas, and MO for severely desertified areas.