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In the Yellow River Delta, soil salinization and river sediment are the two factors influence on economic growth. A large area of salinization reduces crop yields and dredged river sediment increases management costs. This study evaluated the effects of applying sediments under different levels of irrigation on salinity leaching for improving field productivity. A three-year field experiment (from June 2017 to June 2020) was conducted by considering three levels of sediment application:a control (no sediment added, S1), 30▒mm ha−1 (S2) and 60▒mm ha−1 (S3), and three levels of irrigation water: 290▒mm (90▒mm maize + 200▒mm wheat, W1), 385▒mm (120▒mm maize + 265▒mm wheat, W2) and 480▒mm (150▒mm maize + 330▒mm wheat, W3). The results exhibited that soil leaching rate was up to 66.3 % under 60▒mm ha−1 sediment application and 385▒mm irrigation after three wheat-maize rotation cultivation. This irrigation and sediment applied strategy achieved the effect of leaching salt, saving water and increasing grain yields. The mean yield of wheat and maize in sediment application and irrigation treatment was 18.3▒t ha−1 in three-year experiment which was significant bigger than the control. Thus, it is a technically feasible and friendly sustainable approach for salinization soil development in the Yellow River Delta. • Coupling effects of irrigation and sediment application on soil physical properties and grain yield. • Response of soil salinity to sediment application improves understanding of underlying mechanisms involved. • Sediment application at a rate of 60▒mm ha−1 was optimal to enhance grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]