The invention relates to the technical field of controlled-release fertilizer and in particular relates to efficient controlled-release fertilizer applicable to saline-alkali soil and a preparation method thereof. The controlled-release fertilizer is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by mass: 10 to 15 parts of urea, 12 to 20 parts of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 25 to 35 partsof tannic acid, 15 to 20 parts of ammonium humate, 20 to 35 parts of composted livestock manure, 100 to 120 parts of straw ash, 5 to 10 parts of a starch-based composite film, 5 to 12 parts of PAM (Polyacrylamide) and 20 to 25 parts of element fertilizer. The preparation method comprises the following steps: after sufficiently and uniformly mixing the urea, the ammonium humate, the potassium dihydrogen phosphate, the tannic acid, and the element fertilizer, drying and granulating; after cooling, carrying out enveloping treatment with the starch-based composite film; then mixing with the composted livestock manure, the straw ash and the PAM, which are sufficiently fermented, so as to obtain the efficient controlled-release fertilizer. According to the efficient controlled-release fertilizer, salt reduction and alkali reduction can be effectively carried out on the applied saline-alkali soil under the condition that microelements, necessary for growth and development of plants, are ensured to be contained. The problems of poor controlled-release function, low efficiency and the like of common fertilizer are solved; the fertilizer is not remained in the soil and the effect of effectively improving the saline-alkali soil can be realized.