Based on field experiment in the hinterland of Taklimakan Desert

the vertical distribution of soil moisture and growth characteristics of Calligonum mongolicum under different treatments were contrasted and analyzed. Results showed that (1) the vertical distribution of soil moisture was affected obviously by different soil moisture conserving treatments. Differences among treatments were not big in the early irrigation interval

but a reverse phenomenon was observed in the later irrigation interval. Soil moisture content increased at depths of 0—20 cm

30—60 cm

and 20—40 cm under treatments of mulching film

mulching sand

and spurting inhibitor

respectably. (2) Both predawn and postmeridian water potential were affected obviously by different treatments. By predawn water potential

the order was mulching filmmulching sandspurting inhibitorCK

but postmeridian water potential of mulching film was less than spurting inhibitor. (3) Comparing with CK

it was clear that hydrological environment of plant was improved with soil moisture conserving treatments. The growth condition of Calligonum mongolicum under mulching film and mulching sand was better than spurting inhibitor.