[Objective] The moisture content was researched and the sources

forms and balance of soil moisture and other issues at dry season in Shapotou area of Tengger desert were discussed to provide scientific bases for reasonable water use

desertification control

sand amelioration and the increase of agricultural production. [Methods] Hole sampling was used by light drill

and the sand moisture was determined after that. [Results] The average moisture contents of sand layers were 1% to 3% at dry season in Shapotou area of Tengger desert

and generally could be divided into three differentiable layers. The spatial variation of moisture content of sand layers was very great. The low-lying land had the highest moisture content; while the flat plateau and the middle parts of semi-fixed dunes had relatively lower moisture content; and the upper or middle part of sand dunes had the lowest moisture content. The moisture at dry season in this area might exist in the form of film water. Benefited from rapid infiltration and insignificant influence of deep sand layers by evaporation

wherein a positive balance still existed. Affected by root absorption

the moisture contents of vegetational sand at middle and deep layers were lower than those of the area with no vegetation grew. [Conclusion] In Shapotou area

the moisture contents of sand layers were low and the spatial variation was significant

and they were balanced positively at dry season.