Abstract:Investigation of the influence of different tillage methods on soil water content and water use efficiency have important theoretical and practical significance for the utilization efficiency of natural precipitation and the increase of crop yield. The gravimetrie soil moisture that soil samples were stored in metal cans, and oven dried at 105℃ for 6 hours was applied to determine the soil water content of soil from different years, seasons, profiles, and freeze-thaw. The influence of different tillage methods on soil water content and water use efficiency was assessed. The results showed that soil water content of different tillage systems decreased with the increase of soil depth, and it was significant when the soil depth was under 40 cm. Moreover, soil water content of different tillage systems was influenced by the precipitation and changed with season. The seasonal freeze-thaw decreased the soil water content of different tillage systems, however, soil water content of spacing tillage was increased from 0.93% to 2.23% with comparison of other tillage systems. Meanwhile, soil water storage was increased firstly then decreased with change of seasons, and was higher in the beginning of crop growth than in the end of crop growth. Influence of different tillage systems was on water consumption and water use coefficient was not significant; however, spacing tillage enhanced water use efficiency significantly, and the correlation between yield and water use efficiency was significant (r=0.76**). Spacing tillage is an effective tillage system to improve the soil structure, increase soil water content, and enhance water use efficiency. Therefore, this study will provide a theoretical basis for the application of the conservative tillage technology for deep loosening tillage in the Northeast rain farming area.