Salinization is the major land degradation processes in arid and semi-arid regions. In order to prevent further deterioration of salt-affected soils and make agriculture development in a sustainable way

up-to-date and reliable information on the nature

extent

magnitude and spatial distribution of these soils is of paramount importance. This study was carried out to extract such information using Landsat TM data. On the basis of spectral response pattern of salt-affected soils

the relationship between salt-affected soil and image characteristics established during the field investigation and soil sample data

four categories of salt-affected land were delineated

namely

extremely saline （14477.67 hm\+2）

strongly saline （52086.33hm\+2）

moderately saline （86699.61hm\+2）

and lightly saline （2150017hm\+2）. Besides these salt-affected soils

other categories such as water bodies

tidal flat

forest

grass land

reed beds

residential area were also mapped. All these will provide scientific guideline for regional land amelioration and agriculture sustainable development.