Abstract: The improvement and utilization of saline−alkali soil is an important approach to ensure cultivated land resources and food security in China. In this paper, the treatments of 10 t·hm⁻² straw addition (T10), 20 t·hm⁻² straw addition (T20), 40 t·hm⁻² straw addition (T40), 80 t·hm⁻² (T80) straw addition, and non-straw addition (CK) were implemented. The effects of straw addition on saline-alkali properties of soil and maize growth in soda saline-alkali soil in Songnen Plain were studied. The results show that compared with CK, straw addition significantly reduces soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) in different soil layers at each stage of maize growth. In the maturity stage, the soil pH of T20, T40 and T80 treatment in 0 ~ 30 cm soil layers decreases from 9.5 of CK treatment to 9.0 ~ 9.1, 9.1 ~ 9.4 and 9.2 ~ 9.7, respectively. EC decreases from 448 ~ 854 μS·cm⁻¹ to 123 ~ 353, 188 ~ 402 and 302 ~ 445 μS·cm⁻¹, respectively. Maize can not grow normally with no straw addition, while maize with straw addition grows normally and forms yield. The agronomic index, dry matter and root architecture in T20 and T40 treatments are significantly higher than those in T10 treatment. Among them, maize yield in T40 and T80 treatment is 20.2% and 10.1% higher than that in T20 treatment, respectively. A large amount of straw addition promotes maize growth and yield formation by reducing soil saline−alkali properties, and 40 t·hm⁻² straw addition is the best treatment.