To reveal the effects of different straw return methods on maize growth and soil physicochemical characteristics, four treatments were set up: straw removal (CK), straw crushing and harrowing return (T₁), straw crushing and harrowing return + film mulching (T₂), and straw mulching + strip tillage (T₃). Soil temperature, moisture content, nutrients, as well as maize growth indicators and yield were systematically measured. The results showed that in terms of soil physicochemical characteristics, the soil temperature from seedling emergence to full maturity was in the order of T₂ > T₁ ≈ CK > T₃. The temperatures of T₁ and CK were 0.8 - 2.2°C higher than that of T₃ and 0.7 - 2.7°C lower than that of T₂ (P < 0.05). The soil volumetric moisture content was the highest in T 3, and the evaporation rates of T₁ and CK were similar. The contents of soil organic matter, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in T₁ and T₂ were significantly higher than those in other treatments, among which T₂ had the highest contents of available phosphorus and potassium. In terms of maize growth and yield, during the late growth stage (from grain filling to maturity), the net photosynthetic rate and SPAD value of leaves in T₁ and T₂ were significantly higher than those in CK and T₃, and the leaf senescence rate was slowed down. In terms of yield, T₂ was the highest (11562.3 kg/ha), increasing by 28.9% compared with CK, followed by T₁ (9373.5 kg/ha) with an increase of 4.5%, and there was no significant difference between T₃ and CK (P > 0.05). In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, straw crushing and harrowing return + film mulching had the best yield-increasing effect. Straw crushing and harrowing return had significant effects on soil temperature increase, nutrient improvement, and yield increase, and straw mulching had the best water retention.