Arid and semi arid regions of Iran face serious challenges in vegetation establishment due to soil salinity, organic matter deficiency, and low water holding capacity. Capparis spinosa, as a native and drought resistant species, is considered a suitable candidate for the rehabilitation of such lands. This study investigated the interaction between a mineral soil amendment (zeolite) and a biological agent (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) on soil properties and establishment of Capparis spinosa L. The experiment was conducted as a factorial design with three zeolite levels (0, 150, and 300g per planting pit), three mycorrhiza levels (Glomus intraradices and G. mosseae), and two plant ecotypes Alborz and Yazd in three replications. Soil physicochemical characteristics and plant growth indices were measured at the end of the growing season. The results showed that the combined effect of mycorrhiza and zeolite significantly improved most soil properties and growth indices of C. spinosa. The greatest enhancement in soil organic carbon (up to 0.93% compared with 0.56% in the control) and a 65% increase in organic matter were observed in the simultaneous treatment of 300g zeolite + G. mosseae. In this optimal treatment, the establishment rate reached 96%, while it was less than 50% in the control group. The Alborz ecotype exhibited better response in nutrient uptake and chlorophyll accumulation. It is concluded that the synergistic interaction between mycorrhiza and zeolite markedly improves soil quality and promotes the growth performance of C. spinosa under arid conditions. This integrative approach represents a sustainable strategy to increase seedling survival and restore vegetation cover in Iran’s drylands.