Rotating conservation tillage with conventional tillage can improve soil properties and crop yields in winter wheat-spring maize rotations. This study in China's semi-arid region found that the rotation of tillage methods increased soil porosity, reduced soil temperature fluctuations, and enhanced soil water storage. Over ten years, the rotation led to higher crop yields and water use efficiency compared to using only conventional or conservation tillage. The rotation also resulted in increased straw yield and economic profit.