Abstract: The exploitation of resources and an increase in civil engineering projects in the hinterland of Gurbantonggut Desert in Junggar Basin has caused environmental disturbance to the fragile desert eco-system. The fixed and sem-i fixed dunes will become active rapidly, regional ecological environment become deteriorated and project safety may be putted in jeopardy. According to natural conditions of Gurbantonggut Desert and engineering characters, many measures must be taken to restore and reconstruct the natural landscape, maintain the original, safe and stable desert eco-system, which is a serious problem that attracts global attention.
The eolian soil moisture condition is the primary factor that affects desert plant-cover in the hinter land of Junggar Basin, especially in spring (from March to May). With neutron probe, through field calibration the soil moisture changes in different terrain parts which contain the crest, slope, and the foot of the natural and influenced dunes and the interdune corridor are measured. The recorder shows that the spatial distribution of the soil moisture in spring is closely related to terrain parts, the depth of soil, plant cover condition (cover-degree, plant species), and human activity. From March to April the soil moisture content is increasing; the rainfall, the part of terrain and human activity are the main factors which impact on the moisture content. However, from May to the first ten days of June the soil moisture content is decreasing; the rainfall and the part of terrain and plant cover condition are the main factors.
In order to restore and stabilize the eco-system that has been damaged by human activity, Some measures should be taken to choose appropriate plant species and densities, and the most suitable landscape position, especially with regard to soil water availability, for the chosen species. This study has shown that understanding soil moisture patterns in natural and disturbed desert eco-systems is essential for delivering successful revegetation and rehabilitation strategies. These will provide scientific information and instructions for restoring and reconstructing the eco-system that has been damaged by engineering disturbance.

Key words: Gurbantonggut Desert, spring soil moisture, spatial distribution