In order to find an effective way to improve the productivity of aeolian sandy land, we analyzed the effects of 8% peat and
weathered coal on the physiological characters and growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) on aeolian sandy land on the basis of pot experiments. 8% peat treatments greatly improved the
aeolian sandy soil physical and chemical characteristics. Soil bulk density, total porosity degree, total N, alkali N, available P and K increased, and soil pH value decreased to be little acid or neutralized. The effects of 8% peat on the Chinese cabbage were that the physiological and growth characteristics such as height growth, biomass, transpiration rate and
water use efficiency obviously were better than the controls. Although most of soil physical and chemical properties of 8% weathered coal treatments were better than the controls, the Chinese cabbages physiological characteristics and growth indices of 8% weathered coal treatments were not better than those of the controls. The effects of adequate soil moisture in 8% peat treatment on the growth of Chinese cabbage were better than those of dry soil moisture, while the effects of soil moisture of 8% weathered coal treatments on the growth of Chinese cabbage showed inverse trends. Therefore, peat would be an excellent soil amendment and a molding moisture substance. The application of peat could improve the outputs of crops, land productivity in sandy areas.