Design/methodology/approach This study first uses ultrasonic shot peening to strengthen the 65Mn steel plow surface, followed by laser processing to create bio-inspired scallop shell microtexture protrusions with varying texture ratios. The hardness of the samples is measured using an HV-1000D Vickers hardness tester, and the surface roughness is assessed using a TR200 roughness tester. Tribological performance tests are conducted under lubrication with earthworm body fluid using an HSR-2M reciprocating friction and wear tester. The surface structure and wear scar morphology of the samples are observed using an M330BD-HK830 metallurgical microscope and an S-4800FE scanning electron microscope. Findings Ultrasonic shot peening increases the surface roughness of the 65Mn steel plow, leading to increased friction, while the enhanced hardness improves wear resistance. The single bionic scallop microtexture protrusions have limited effectiveness in improving the friction and wear resistance of the 65Mn steel plow surface. However, bionic scallop microtextures with different texture ratios can improve the friction and wear resistance of the shot-peened 65Mn steel plow surface to varying degrees. When the texture ratio is 37%, compared to the single shot-peened sample, the maximum reduction in friction coefficient under 20 N and 50 N loads is 19.86% and 22.98%, respectively, while the maximum reduction in wear rate is 84.25% and 87.91%, respectively. Originality/value The research results provide a reference for preparation methods to achieve plow surfaces with excellent anti-adhesion, drag reduction and wear resistance properties. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2024-0303/