Shandong has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to reclaim and utilize saline land, setting an example for other regions facing similar challenges. By 2035, the province aims to add 240,000 mu (16,000 hectares) of new arable land and enhance 4.1 million mu (273,333 hectares) of existing saline farmland.

By employing a tailored approach that combines engineering, chemical, biological, and agronomic measures, the province has achieved remarkable results and established a replicable model for saline land management. In Dongying's Kenli district, a 11,000-mu (733-hectare) experimental plot underwent a comprehensive transformation, including land leveling and subsurface drainage installation. These measures reduced soil salinity from 16‰ to 3‰, demonstrating the effectiveness of the integrated approach.

Shandong has placed a strong emphasis on developing a self-reliant innovation system in the field of saline land utilization. This includes focusing on biological breeding, productivity enhancement, and ecological utilization. Researchers have cultivated a range of salt-tolerant crop varieties, including wheat, soybeans, rice, and sorghum, which have been planted across 8 million mu of saline land. Additionally, over 100 research achievements have been disseminated and applied, addressing critical aspects such as soil fertility improvement, fertilization, and the establishment of high-efficiency ecological symbiosis systems.

Shandong's multifaceted approach to saline land utilization extends beyond agriculture, encompassing diverse sectors such as aquaculture and forestry. Embracing the principle of "suitability for cultivation, grazing, fishing, or forestry", the province has explored the full potential of saline land. Currently, the province boasts 2 million mu (133,333 hectares) of saline land ponds dedicated to aquaculture, with an annual fish production of 180,000 metric tons.