Conservation tillage methods were tested on maize fields in cold, windy, sandy areas of Northeast China. Different tillage techniques were compared for their impact on soil fertility from 2004 to 2007. Results showed that mulch and stubble ploughing increased soil microorganism numbers and enzyme activity, while no-tillage with mulch significantly improved soil phosphatase activity. Organic matter content was higher with conservation tillage compared to conventional tillage, with mulch showing the most significant increase over time. Soil nitrogen, available phosphorus, and potassium levels were also higher with conservation tillage, with mulch leading to the greatest increase in nitrogen and phosphorus content.