[Objective] To study the effects of brackish water irrigation on soil water and salt characteristics and crop growth is helpful to guide the safe utilization of brackish water. [Methods] A pot experiment of winter wheat was carried out under the condition of rain-shielding. Deionized water was used as the control (CK). Three kinds of brackish water treatments with conductivity of 4 dS/m and different sodium-potassium ratios were set up, including sodium-potassium ratio of 1∶0 (T1), sodium-potassium ratio of 1∶1 (T2), sodium-potassium ratio of 0∶1 (T3). The water-salt characteristics of the soil, the photosynthetic physiology, growth and development as well as yield formation of winter wheat were studied. [Results] Compared with CK, the 0-40 cm soil moisture content under T1, T2 and T3 brackish water irrigation increased by 19%, 8% and 14% (p<0.05), respectively. Soil EC_1∶5 (soil water ratio 1∶5 extract conductivity) and Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations continued to increase with the growth period of winter wheat. The 0-40 cm soil salinity of T1, T2 and T3 treatments increased by 252%, 223% and 234% (p<0.05), respectively, and most of the salt accumulated in the 10-20 cm soil layer. The net photosynthetic rate of winter wheat was significantly reduced (by 16%, p<0.05) in the T1 treatment compared to CK, while there was no significant differences (p>0.05) between the T2 and T3 treatments and CK. The T2 treatment enhanced plant height, leaf area per plant and aboveground dry matter mass of winter wheat, and increased the yield by 8.41% (p<0.05) compared to CK; while there was no significant difference in underground dry matter mass among treatments (p>0.05). [Conclusion] In summary, irrigation using 4 dS/m brackish water changed the original water-salt characteristics of the soil, caused salts to accumulate in the soil and promoted winter wheat growth in the short term. In this study, the use of brackish water with a sodium-potassium ratio of 1∶1 had a better effect on winter wheat growth and yield enhancement. The results can provide a theoretical basis for sustainable utilization of brackish water.