Purpose of the StudyDifferent land-use systems significantly influence soil water retention in the Loess Plateau, a region facing challenges related to soil erosion. The focus is on assessing how various land-use systems affect soil water retention and identifying sustainable practices that improve water infiltration and soil health.Materials and MethodsThe experiment was conducted across six land-use systems: Continuous Alfalfa (AL), Continuous Wheat (WH), Continuous Maize (MA), Wheat-Alfalfa rotation (W-A-R), Wheat-Maize rotation (W-M-R), and abandoned land (CK). Ninety infiltration tests were performed per plot at five pressure heads (0 to -12 cm) to measure infiltration rates. Soil samples from 0 to 10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm were analyzed for soil organic carbon, texture, and root biomass. Infiltration rates, porosity, and root density were assessed to evaluate hydraulic properties.ResultsThe AL system exhibited the highest infiltration rates and soil organic carbon content (22.65 g kg- 1 in the top soil), along with the most favorable soil texture, indicating superior soil health. In contrast, the CK system had the lowest infiltration rates, SOC content, and porosity, reflecting poor soil health. The W-M-R and W-A-R systems demonstrated improved infiltration and porosity compared to monoculture systems like WH and MA. SOC was identified as a key factor in enhancing soil structure and water infiltration.ConclusionsSustainable land-use systems, such as crop rotations and deep-rooted species like Alfalfa, improve soil hydraulic properties. These results emphasize SOC management and crop rotations in improving soil health, water retention, and land-use planning in water-scarce regions.