By taking apple trees in full fruit period in an orchard of the Weibei Tableland as the research object

the temporal variation and spatial distribution of soil water content in a 600cm soil profile were studiedusing the technique of micro rainfall collection by surface ridging.Results showed that using the technique

average annual soil water storage increased to 1 537.9mm

9.99%higher than that of the control(clean tillage).Soil water storage presented the curve trend with double peaks that reached 1 616.2mm in Septemberand 1 665.2mm in February.The technique enabled soil water content in the profile to increase.With increased soil depth

the spatial distribution of soil water in the profile presented a wavy decline-rise-declinetendency and water conservation changed from high to low and then increased which may effectively relievethe desiccation of deeper soil layer in orchard and is of benefit to the sustainable development of orchard ecosystem.The technique could enhance water use efficiency

raise apple yield

and improve apple quality.Inconclusion

taking advantage of rainfall collected by ridging and film and water conservation functions of surface ridging and furrow covering

the technique can significantly increase rainfall use efficiency

improve thewater conditions of apple orchard and maintain the stability of the orchard ecosystem.