Soil moisture is crucial for plant growth on the Loess Plateau in China. By studying different types of forests, researchers found that secondary forests mainly use rainfall to maintain soil moisture balance, while Robinia pseudoacacia plantations consume water from deeper soil layers. The soil moisture levels in the forests change throughout the year, with different patterns of recovery and fluctuation. Land preparation before planting Pinus tabulaeformis trees can increase soil moisture during rainfall. The soil profile can be divided into layers with varying levels of moisture stability. Overall, understanding how different forests interact with soil moisture is important for soil and water conservation efforts on the Loess Plateau.