Soil moisture in desert steppe varies based on land use and weather conditions. In dry years, soil moisture levels differ more between land-use types. Soil moisture increases over time in all soils during dry years, but fluctuates in wet years. The variation in soil moisture follows a pattern of peaks and valleys in dry years, while it is more stable in wet years. Soil moisture is highest in alfalfa and licorice fields, lower in mixed grasslands and natural grasslands, and lowest in Caragana shrublands. Understanding these patterns can help with soil and water conservation in desert steppe regions.