Abstract: Based on precipitation and soil moisture data from 1998 to 2002 in Luancheng agricultural observation station,the temporal change characteristics of the available soil moisture quantity and soil water availability in the Taihang piedmont plain were analyzed. The result showed that the available soil water quantity varied and was affected by precipitation apparently during a year. The annual variation in quantity showed a decreased trend with a most extent in autumn. The soil layer of water supply for crop deepened. The total availability of soil water was generally at the mid-available state during a year,while the soil water of deeper layers gradually converted to a hard available state during the growing period of winter wheat and could be alleviated through rain season. The annual soil moisture availability declined from lower layers to deeper layers.

Key words: Taihang Mountain piedmont plain, Taihang Mountain piedmont plain, Available soil water, Soil water availability, Temporal change characteristics