[Objective] To explore the differences of soil structure and nutrients in shrublands under different habitats, and to provide reference for comprehensive management and vegetation construction in desert areas. [Method] Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas in sandy land and saline-alkali land in the eastern Tengger Desert were selected as the research object, and the soil particle size composition and soil nutrient content were analyzed. [Result] The results showed that : (1) The soil particle size of Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas in sandy land and saline-alkali land was mainly fine sand, accounting for 55.03%~74.21% and 44.71 %~72.83% of the total content, respectively, and the soil sorting was excellent.(2) The average particle size of Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas soil in sandy land is larger than that in saline-alkali land. The soil particles are in negative bias and near symmetry, and the kurtosis is medium. The soil particles in saline-alkali land are in extremely negative bias and near symmetry, and the kurtosis is between wide and narrow. (3) The soil fractal dimension of Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas in saline-alkali land (1.86~2.32) was significantly higher than that in sandy land (1.62~1.72), and showed a decreasing trend from the top of nebkhas to the toe of slope. (4) The contents of TN (1.48~3.43g/kg), TP (0.10~0.22g/kg) and TK (0.30~0.61g/kg) in the soil of Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas in saline-alkali land were significantly higher than those in the soil of Nitraria tangutorum nebkhas in sandy land (3.35~4.24g/kg), TP (0.11~0.26g/kg) and TK (0.44~ 0.65g/kg). [Conclusion] The adaptability and improvement ability of Nitraria tangutorum shrub to soil environment has different manifestations in two habitats, which can provide reference for desertification control and vegetation restoration.