[Objective] To solve difficulties of saline-alkali land improvement in the Yellow River Delta area.[Methods] The Yellow River delta saline-alkaline soil resource characteristics were analyzed and the present situation of saline-alkali soil improvement and afforestation in the Yellow River delta were expounded. [Results] On the basis of former saline-alkali soil research and the author's practice, the key technique and method for saline-alkali land afforestation in the Yellow River delta were proposed: (1) Using traditional methods of afforestation to improve saline-alkali land; (2) Paying attention to application of the new techniques and new achievements. [Conclusion] It is feasible to realize saline-alkali land improvement in the Yellow River Delta area by using the key techniques.