Abstract:To explore the optimal method of straw return for enhancing soil phosphorus effectiveness, this study was based on a long-term field experiment with seven treatments:straw removal(T1), conventional tillage with straw return(T2), straw shredding and mixing(T3), full coverage of straw powder(T4), leaving tall stubble with full straw return(T5), straw strip covering(T6), and deep plowing with full straw return(T7). The results indicated that straw return increased soil available phosphorus and total phosphorus content, significantly raising the phosphorus activation coefficient and enhancing soil phosphorus effectiveness. Soil available phosphorus increased significantly by 138.92%, 171.79%, and 140.36% in treatments T4, T5 and T7, respectively. Soil total phosphorus increased significantly by 31.82%, 15.15%, and 31.82% in treatments T4, T6 and T7, respectively. The soil phosphorus activation coefficient increased significantly by 81.61%, 134.31%, and 81.02% in treatments T4, T5 and T7, respectively(P<0.05). Straw return significantly reduced soil phosphorus adsorption capacity and increased its desorption capacity, and the effectiveness of T4 and T7 treatment of phosphorus was higher(P<0.05). In summary, full coverage of straw powder(T4) and deep plowing with full straw return(T7) are relatively optimal approaches for straw return in the western regions of Northeast China.