Abstract:In this paper, the effects of straw returning with nitrogen fertilizer on low maize yield caused by soil texture and moisture were studied in Yanghuang irrigation area in Ningxia. Four levels of pure nitrogen (0, 150, 300, 450 kg/hm2) were designed under the condition of total maize straw returning (12 000 kg/hm2), the conventional nitrogen of 225 kg/hm2 without straw returning was as control (CK). The results showed that pure nitrogen of 300 kg/hm2 and 450 kg/hm2reduced soil bulk density of 0–20 cm soil by 1.25% and 3.20%, and increased soil porosity by 2.69% and 1.89% respectively compared with before treatment. Compared with no straw returning, straw returning with nitrogen fertilizer of 300 kg/hm2 and 450 kg/hm2 significantly increased the mechanical stability of 2–5 mm and >5 mm aggregates in 0–20 cm soil. Straw returning with nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased soil moisture, especially at the early stage of crop growth, straw returning with nitrogen fertilizer of 300 kg/hm2 significantly increased soil moisture by 13.64% compared with CK. Under the condition of straw returning with nitrogen fertilizer, the yield and yield components of corn increased compared with no straw returning. Corn yield of straw returning with pure nitrogen of 300 kg/hm2 increased corn yield by 20.21%, 100–grain weight of maize by 9.37%, and the grain number per ear by 37.91%. Straw returning with pure nitrogen of 300 kg/hm2 has a good effect on water storage and preservation, it can increase maize yield remarkably. This study can provide a reference for soil fertilization in the studied area.