[Objective] The variation characteristics of grassland soil moisture under natural and management factors were analyzed to provide a scientific reference for the ecological restoration of degraded grassland.[Methods] Twelve sloping area plots were monitored by fixed points. A time-domain reflector (TDR) and probe were used to determine the soil water content of the top 0-10 cm of two degraded grassland slopes with sierozem and brown-red soil. The data were compared and statistically analyzed. Combined methods were used to analyze the effects of natural factors such as rainfall, temperature, slope position, and irrigation, and soil management factors on hillslope soil moisture dynamics.[Results] Rainfall and temperature had significant effects on the surface soil water content, and varied rainfall intensity had different effects on the surface soil water content. The slope position has no significant effect on surface soil water content. Brown-red soil had a high water capacity, and the surface soil moisture content was higher than that of sierozem. Among the various management measures, the horizontal ditch treatment maximized the surface soil water content after rainfall, and the grass-cover treatment significantly reduced the decrease of surface soil water content after rainfall. There was no significant difference in surface soil water content under different rainwater harvesting methods, but supplementary irrigation with harvested rainfall can increase the surface soil water content in a short time.[Conclusion] The surface soil moisture is mainly controlled by factors such as rainfall and management. Therefore, soil moisture can be controlled through artificial cultivation management to achieve vegetation restoration.