Abstract: In order to alleviate the impact of topsoil scarcity on ecological restoration in desertifica⁃ tion grassland mining areas and provide guarantee for the stability of fragile grassland ecosystems，topsoil substitute materials and ecological restoration technologies suitable for desertification grassland mining areas were developed. Using iron tailings and local sewage treatment station sludge as raw materials，the indoor pot experiment was carried out after mixing with different ratios. The growth characteristics of vegetation and soil physical and chemical properties under different ratios were studied，and the ratio of topsoil alternative materials and combined vegetation suitable for this area were optimized. The field test results show that it is feasible to use the mixture of iron tailings and sludge as topsoil substitute material. The organic matter content of the mixed topsoil substitute material is 2.42% ~ 15.60%，which meets the requirement of soil fertility organic matter greater than 0.5%，and is conducive to the restoration and growth of veg⁃ etation. The iron tailings and sludge were mixed at a volume ratio of 9∶1，and the surface soil substitution material had the best effect. Planting Elymus dahuricus and Puccinellia tenuiflora，the plant survival rate reached more than 90%. The study can provide a theoretical basis for the rational use of iron tailings as top⁃ soil substitute materials and solid waste.

Key words: ecological restoration, reconstituted soil, iron tailings