【Objective】This study aimed to clarify the effects of different return methods of organic matter on the characteristics of soil microbial communities.【Method】The changes of soil microbial community abundance and structure under single application of maize straw, sheep manure and combined application with biochar were analyzed by quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing based on two years of field experiments in dry cropland red soil.【Result】The results showed that: (1) Compared with the control (no material), the soil pH and nutrient content of sheep manure alone increased significantly, while the single application of straw had no significant effect on them. Compared with straw and sheep manure alone, soil organic carbon content under the treatment of biochar co-application with straw or sheep manure was significantly increased by 133.5% and 81.47%, respectively. (2) The abundance of bacteria and fungi under the treatment of sheep manure treatment significantly increased by 448.7%and 1 709%, respectively, and the abundance of bacteria under the treatment with biochar was further increased by 35.34%. Straw alone only increased fungal abundance. Single straw application and its combination with biochar significantly reduced bacterial diversity and richness but had no significant effect on fungal diversity. (3) Straw, sheep manure and biochar alone changed the structure of bacterial and fungal communities, and there were significant interaction effects. Functional predictive analysis showed that the combination of biochar and organic materials reduced carbohydrate metabolism and the abundance of potential plant pathogens. Available phosphorus, pH, total nitrogen and available potassium were the main factors affecting the abundance and structure of soil microbial communities.【Conclusion】In summary, the combined application of sheep manure and biochar can effectively improve the fertility of dryland red soil, increase the abundance of soil microorganisms, and reduce the number of potential pathogens. Thus, the combined application of sheep manure and biochar can be used as an effective measure to improve the fertility of dryland red soil and maintain soil health.