A large-eddy simulation (LES) with the dynamic Smagorinsky-Germano subgrid-scale (SGS) model is used to study the dispersion of solid particles in a turbulent boundary layer. Solid particles are tracked in a Lagrangian way. The instantaneous velocity of the surrounding fluid is considered to have a large-scale part (directly computed by the LES) and a small-scale part. The SGS velocity of the surrounding fluid is given by a three-dimensional Langevin model written in terms of SGS statistics at a mesh level. An appropriate Lagrangian correlation time scale is considered in order to include the influences of gravity and inertia of the solid particle. Inter-particle collisions and the influence of particles on the mean flow are also taken into account. The results of the LES are compared with the wind-tunnel experiments of Nalpanis et al. (1993 J Fluid Mech 251: 661-685) and of Tanière et al. (1997 Exp in Fluids 23:463-471) on sand particles in saltation and in modified saltation, respectively.