In view of the large amount of water-based cuttings produced during shale gas exploitation,the resource uti-lization of water-based cuttings to prepare ecological slope protection substrates was studied.In the experiment,water-based rock cuttings were used to replace part of natural soil as planting base soil,ferrous sulfate,straw fiber and water-re-taining agent were used as amendments,and a certain amount of base materials were added to improve the ecological sub-strate.L9(34)orthogonal test was used to provide ecological slope protection substrate.The physical and chemical proper-ties,initial strength,water retention and plant growth of the substrate under different treatment groups were observed and analyzed.The results show that the addition of improved materials can not only neutralize the alkalinity of water-based cuttings,but also enhance the fertility and drought resistance of the substrate,improve the strength of the substrate,and ensure higher plant survival rate and plant growth.The optimal ratio is 50%of water-based cuttings,ferrous sulfate 3 g/L,straw fiber 3%,water retaining agent 0.3%,binder 0.3%and organic fertilizer 5%.