[Objective] The interaction between fine root distribution and soil environment of middle-aged Picea crassifolia forests was revealed, and the contribution factors of soil nutrients to fine root development under different mingling intensity were clarified in order to provide theoretical basis for the rehabilitation and management of natural forests in Qilian Mountains. Methods] The root samples were collected in F. crassi - folia middle-aged forests with different mingling intensities (0, 0.2, ().4, and ().6) by using soil coring method. The relations between root parameters (fine root biomass density, specific root length, specific root surface area, root surface area density and root length density) and soil properties (soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium and organic matter) were analyzed. [Results] The fine root biomass was concentrated in the upper 0一20 cm soil layer, and decreased with soil depth. Values of fine root biomass density, root length density, root surface area density, specific root length, and specific root surface area in the soil layer of ()--20 cm were significantly higher than those in 20一4() cm soil layer(p〈().()5). The fine root morphology indices of each soil layer of F. crassifolia forest were all peaked in the mingling of ().4. Total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available potassium and organic matter in each soil layer decreased with the increase of soil depth, while they peaked at the mingling of ().4. Tn the soil layer of 0一4() cm, there were the positive correlations between indices of fine root biomass fine root biomass density, root length density, root surface area density, specific root length, and specific root surface area and soil properties such as total nitrogen, total phosphorus, a 1 ka 1 i-hydro 1 yzab 1 e nitrogen, avaitable phosphorous, organic matter, available potassium. Conclusion] The change of fine root biomass density is mainly affected by the total nitrogen content, mixed F. crassifolia forest with mingling intensity of ().4 has remarkable fine root contribution and better soil fertility, which is more conducive to the development of community stability benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]