To explore the effectiveness of UAV spraying technology in saline lake agriculture, particularly its impact on quinoa growth, yield, pest control, and pesticide residue, this study conducted a comprehensive assessment through setting up three experimental groups: UAV spraying, traditional spraying, and a control group. The results revealed that the UAV-sprayed quinoa exhibited superior growth metrics, with significantly taller average plant height and main stem diameter compared to the other two groups. In terms of yield, the UAV spraying group led with an average production of 3 150 kg/ha, which is approximately 10.5% and 20% higher than the traditional spraying and control groups, respectively. Additionally, the incidence and frequency of pest infestations in the UAV spraying group were lower than in the other groups, indicating a higher efficiency in pest control. Regarding pesticide residue, the amount in the UAV spraying group was significantly lower than that in the traditional spraying group,thereby reducing potential risks to the environment and food safety. Assessments of biomass and quality also demonstrated that the quinoa from the UAV spraying group had a larger biomass and higher seed quality. This research provides scientific evidence for the further application of UAV technology in agricultural spraying and offers a new perspective for the sustainable development of saline lake agriculture.