[Objective] The differences in protective effects generated by different configurations of farmland shelterbelts were detemined in wind and sand areas, as well as the influencing factors on soil moisture content in fields, in order to provide a theoretical basis for water management and land use in this region. [Methods] Three typical configurations of farmland shelterbelts in the Tenth Regiment of Alar City, Xinjiang Wei Autonomous Region, were studied by measuring soil moisture content, wind speed, light intensity, and air temperature and humidity within different configurations of shelterbelts. [Results] The most significant improvement in field microclimate within the range of 0~1 tree hight was observed with a shelterbelt porosity of 41% in the case of five rows of Populus alba var. pyramidalis. The longest effective protection distance within the shelterbelt with a porosity of 47% was achieved with one row of Populus euphratica and two rows of P. alba var. pyramidalis. Moreover, the soil moisture content in the field was significantly higher for the configuration of one row of P. euphratica and two rows of P. alba var. pyramidalis compared with five rows of P. alba var. pyramidalis and four rows of P. alba var. pyramidalis. The soil moisture content within the shelterbelt of five rows of Xinjiang poplar was primarily influenced by air temperature, humidity, and light intensity. On the other hand, the soil moisture content in the case of four rows of P. alba var. pyramidalis and one row of P. euphratica and two rows of P. alba var. pyramidalis was related to the distance of the shelterbelt and soil depth. Overall, the porosity of the shelterbelt had a direct negative effect on soil moisture content, while soil bulk density indirectly affected the moisture content through soil depth. [Conclusion] By adjusting the configuration and structure of farmland shelterbelts, it is possible to increase the protective efficiency of the shelterbelts and to provide favorable conditions for crop growth in sandy areas. This adjustment can also serve as a theoretical basis for regulating local water resources.