It is generally considered that tensiometer is only suitable for investigation of water-retention characters in low suction range on irrigated soils.But, it may also be adaptable for studying the dry cultivated (non-irrigated) soils in Northeast China, because in the presence of seasonal frozen layer the moisture content in upper soil layersis higher in early spring.The present paper deals mainly with the resistance of soil matrix in the early stage of soil drought.The soil factors influencing the water-retention characters in low suction range are prmarily the texture, secondly the organic matter.Besides, temperature is one of the most important environmental factors.