[Objective] The effects of different soil amendments on improving soil quality in newly cultivated land in Qinba Mountain area were investigated to provide theoretical foundations and technical support for the rapid enhancement of soil quality and restoration of agricultural productivity. [Methods] A two-year field experiment was conducted using five treatments: control (CK), ferrous sulfate (T1), biochar (T2), microbial inoculant (T3) and composite amendment (T4). The effects of these treatments on soil quality and maize yield were evaluated in terms of four dimensions: maize yield, soil physical structure, chemical properties and soil enzyme activity. [Results] Compared with CK, maize yields increased by 17.31%, 30.57% and 25.89% in the T2, T3, and T4 treatments, respectively. The ranking of the soil quality indices for each treatment was as follows: T4 > T2 > T3 > T1 > CK. The soil pH value, bulk density, organic matter, total nitrogen and alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen levels of the T2 and T4 treatments were very close to the corresponding soil indices of high-quality cultivated land in Qinba Mountain area. T1 treatment improved soil bulk density and T3 treatment enhanced soil pH value and bulk density to near-optimal levels. Soil organic matter was the key factor influencing soil physical properties, nutrient content, and enzyme activity, whereas low microbial activity was identified as the primary constraint on yield improvement in the newly created farmland. [Conclusion] For comprehensive enhancement of soil quality, biochar (T2) and composite amendment (T4) are recommended as key technologies for improving newly created farmlands. However, when considering cost-effectiveness and yield improvement, the microbial inoculant (T3) is a practical and efficient measure for newly created farmlands in the region.