AbstractSoil salinization and sedimentation in the Yellow River Delta pose significant environmental concerns in China. This study demonstrated for the first time that the Yellow River sediment can be used as a soil amendment to remediate the salt‐affected soil. Four treatments including the control (CK), Yellow River sediment application at 70 Mg ha−1 (S70) and 140 Mg ha−1 (S140), and crop residue application at 3 Mg ha−1 (P3) were replicated in two blocks in the field. Cotton, one of the most common crops in the Yellow River Delta, was planted. Soil physical properties and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured. The results indicated that mixing the Yellow River sediment, a poorly graded sand, with the clayed saline soil improved soil texture, macroporosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Mean EC of treated soils was significantly lower than for the control. Improved cotton emergence and stand establishment were observed along with a significant treatment effect on cotton yield. The effects of S140 and P3 on soil macroporosity, hydraulic conductivity, soil EC, and cotton growth were comparable. This study concluded that applying Yellow River sediment in the saline land is a technically feasible and environmentally sustainable approach for saline soil remediation in the Yellow River Delta. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.