[Objective] The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of soil amendments on soil porosity, bulk density and water characteristics of upland at South Anhui Province, in order to provide information for soil improvement, water availability and anti-drought.[Methods] Three different kinds of soil amendments including diatomite(Si), foamed sand(T₂₀) and mineral amendment(G₂₀) were used and 4 addition rates of 1%, 2%, 5% and 10% were adopted in the batch experiment.[Results] The addition of Si and T₂₀ reduced soil bulk density significantly, however, the addition of G₂₀ showed a significant effect only at the addition rate of 5% and 10%. Soil porosity increased from 52.1% to 91.3% by Si treatment, which was better than T₂₀ and G₂₀ treatment. Soil moisture absorption coefficient and wilting moisture increased first and then decreased with the application amount of Si and T₂₀. In contrast, soil moisture absorption coefficient and wilting moisture increased linearly with the application amount of G₂₀. Soil saturation water capacity and field water capacity increased with the application amount of three amendments, and the increase trend was largest by application of Si, followed by T₂₀ and G₂₀. In addition, soil available water and hard available water increased with soil amendment addition rate. The treatment of Si on hard available water was better than T₂₀ and G₂₀.[Conclusion] The water characteristics of upland soil of South Anhui Province should be improved according to the type and amount of soil amendment. In order to achieve an ideal effect, the combination of various soil amendments should be taken into account.