[Objective] The optimal replacement and transformation modes were analyzed and evaluated in order to provide theoretical basis and technical support for the restoration of degraded forest stand in saline land of the Yellow River delta.[Methods] Two kinds of forest stand in the Yellow River delta saline land degraded Ulmus pumila and Populus×xiaozhuanica were selected as the research objects. The growth

soil and vegetation benefits of the two degraded stands and their different replacement and transformation modes were studied by using the methods of field investigation and laboratory analysis and measurement.[Results] ① There were great differences in canopy density and forest preservation rate between the replacement and transformation modes of the degraded U. pumila and P.×xiaozhuanica

but mixed forest was better than pure forest on the whole

and the species with strong salt tolerance were better than those with poor salt tolerance. ② The different replacement and transformation modes of the decaying U. pumila forest and P.×xiaozhuanica forest had been improved in soil physicochemical properties

and both of them could improve soil conservation and effective conservation. The pH value and salinity of the soil were decreased by different alternation modes. The soil organic matter and nutrient status of the two degraded stands were improved greatly after being replaced and transformed into different modes. ③ The vegetation of different stands was different

but in general

the habitat of the replacement and transformation mode was better than that of the degraded forest stands

and the plants with low salt tolerance appeared

and the vegetation types increased

but with the increase of stand canopy density

shade plants appeared

and the drought and salt tolerant plant species decreased.[Conclusion] Based on the analysis of forest stand growth

soil and vegetation of two different modes of forest stand replacement and transformation in the two degraded forest stands

in the replacement and transformation of degraded U. pumila stands

the mixed forest mode of Salix americana and Robinia pseudoacacia and U. pumila was the best

followed by pure forest of U. pumila and pure forest of Robinia pseudoacacia

while the pure forest mode of S. americana was not suitable. Among the two modes of replacement and transformation of P.×xiaozhuanica degraded forest

U. pumila forest was the best

S. cheilophila pure forest was the worst.