Based on the space-for-time method,the 1,4 and 8-year plant communities of abandoned cropland were selected to investigate infiltration process and characteristics using Disc infiltrometer(Z-700).One artificial community(Cargana korshinkii) and one natural community(Sophora davidii) were chosen as control.We found that:(1) stable infiltration rate under Sophora davidii communities was less than that under Cargana korshinkii communities.It may relate with soil perturbation and the higher root biomass of artificial Cargana korshinkii.(2) The average infiltration rate and saturated hydraulic conductivity of abandoned cropland were increased with theabandoned time.Soil saturated hydraulic conductivities(SHC) of 1,4 and 8-year abandoned croplands were 52%,74% and 98% of the SHC under nature Sophora davidii communities respectively,while stable infiltration rates of 1,4 and 8-year abandoned cropland were 57%,88% and 91%.It indicated that infiltration rate increased with plant restoration.(3) Soil infiltration characteristics were influenced by soil physical and chemical properties,such as soil porosity,bulk density,texture,compaction,moisture and organic matter content.With plant restoration,plant can generate a large amount of root.