Abstract: In order to explore the shrub germplasm resources with high-quality soil and water conservation characteristics in east Gansu Province,A comparative field experiment was carried out in Pingliang City,Gansu Province to observe the characteristics of tree species and soil and water conservation.Results:The water holding capacity of branches and leaves of Atriplex canescens with canopy density of 0.70 is 23.8%～26.4%,with an average of 23.5%,and the water holding capacity of branches and leaves is 0.49～0.63 t/hm~2,with an average of 0.55 t/hm~2;The water holding rate of litter is 130.3%～148.6%,and the water holding capacity is 1.35～2.28 t/hm~2,with an average of 1.67 t/hm~2;The relationship between four winged Atriplex forest land and time is:V_{forest land}=18.599t^{-0.354 5} （r=-0.997 4）;The relationship between root shear strength and root cross-sectional area ratio on the shear plane is dT=0.439+1.619a （r=0.913 0）.Conclusion:Atriplex canescens has the characteristics of intercepting rainfall,reducing surface runoff,increasing soil infiltration,improving soil structure and fixing soil.It is an excellent shrub species for soil and water conservation in the eastern Gansu plateau.