[Objective] The variation patterns of soil moisture and nutrients under different artificial forests in the Loess Plateau were analyzed, and the impact of vegetation restoration on ecosystem structure and function was comprehensively evaluated, in order to provide a scientific basis for the sustainable management of regional artificial forests. [Methods] Typical artificial forest plots in loess regions of Gansu Province were selected as research subjects. Using soil moisture data at a depth of 6 meters and soil nutrient data at a depth of 1 meter collected from various regions between August and September 2022, the distribution characteristics of soil moisture and nutrients under different artificial forests in loess regions were analyzed, and the differences in soil moisture and nutrients under artificial forests across different regions were explored. [Results] ① In different regions, soil moisture profiles under artificial forests gradually decreased with increasing soil depth, indicating a progressive drying process. However, when artificial forests reached maturity or aging stages, soil moisture partially recovered. Geographically, in loess regions of Gansu Province, the average soil moisture under artificial forests showed an increasing trend from north to south and from west to east.② In terms of soil nutrients, most soils in each region were alkaline, with low contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium. Alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen was highest in Longxi County and lowest in Zhenyuan County. Available phosphorus was highest in Heshui County and lowest in Tianshui County. Available potassium was highest in Heshui County and lowest in Zhenyuan County. [Conclusion] During vegetation restoration in the Loess Plateau, soil moisture and nutrient distribution characteristics of different microtopographies should be considered, and the planting principle of ‘right tree in the right place' should be followed to reasonably configure tree, shrub, and grass planting patterns to improve the soil environment. This approach plays a positive role in ecological management in the Loess Plateau.