The study looked at how adding nitrogen to soil with returned straw can improve water and nutrient levels, and maize yield in a dry area. By testing different nitrogen levels with straw return, they found that applying 300 kg of nitrogen per hectare had the best results. This increased soil water storage, improved soil fertility, and boosted maize grain yield and income. Straw returning with 300 kg of nitrogen per hectare is the most effective way to enhance soil quality and increase maize production in arid regions like central Ningxia.