Abstract: 【Objective】 The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of moss layer on soil moisture in Qinghai spruce forest under different drought conditions,so as to provide theoretical basis for sustainable management of forests under climate change.【Method】 The effect of moss layer on soil moisture under different drought events was quantified through continuous observation of soil moisture in the area with or without moss cover during dry and normal water years.【Result】 In the interannual scale,the average moisture content in the soil with or without moss in normal water years was（29. 5±6. 1）% and（29. 6±7. 1）%,respectively,and that in dry years was（22. 3±4. 7）% and（27. 7±4. 2）%,respectively. Moss layer had no significant effect on soil moisture in normal water years（P＞0. 05）,while could significant increase soil moisture in dry years（P＜0. 05）. Within the year,the effect of moss layer on soil moisture showed notable difference among different months; namely,the effect was not significant in the early growing season（MayJune）（P＞0. 05）,but significant in the middle and late growing season（July-September）（P＜0. 05）. The influence of moss layer on soil water was different under different rainfall events. Moss layer had no significant effect on soil moisture in sunny or light rain events（P＞0. 05）,but could significantly increase soil water in moderate or heavy rain events（P＜0. 05）.【Conclusion】 The moss layer has a buffering effect on soil water change under seasonal drought events through improving water infiltration rate and inhibiting evaporation.