Abstract: Through field plot experiment,the effect of brackish water irrigation on dynamic change in soil salts as well as growth and yields of spring maize were studied. The results showed that brackish water containing 3 g·L^-1 mineralization resulted in accumulation of salt in soil profile, and decreases in leaf area, plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, dry matter and yield of spring maize. The decrease in maize leaf area was faster in later period of maize growth. The decrease in accumulation of dry matter caused lower maize yields. Brackish water irrigation caused 28% loss of maize yields in the dry year, and 10.4% loss in the rainy year. Maize yield with well-canal combining irrigation in the dry year and the rainy year declined 14% and 7.4% respectively．

Key words: brackish water irrigation, spring maize, soil salinity