On the basis of review and summarization, this paper deals with the progress and achievements in the research on soil water since the founding of the People's Republic of China. From the following 6 aspects, i.e., basical concepts of the research on soil water, soil water physical properties and water regime, retention and movement of soil water, soil water management and regulation, progress in measuring technology and the others, the author considered that the achievements in the research on soil water were remarkable in China in the past 40 years, especially in the last decade.Finally, based on the current problems and suggestions, the prospects for future researches are given.