As an integral part of terrestrial ecosystem and the core of the surface hydrological cycle, soil water connected to a series of hydrology, geology, climate and ecological processes, which is a key part for the healthy operation of the terrestrial ecosystem. Based on the concept of soil moisture temporal stability, we expounded the research progress of the soil moisture temporal stability from the concept of time stability, research methods, its application and influencing factors, and analyzed the selection criteria of the representative point, and the factors affecting the time stability of the soil moisture. In addition, combined with the current research progress, the research emphases in the future are put forward:strengthening the research on the comprehensive function of many factors on the time stability of soil water content; studying the scale problem of the time stability by combining with "3S" technology, computer simulation and field measurement; choosing the representative points effectively; and conducting the research and application of time stability concept in vegetation restoration and climate sensitive areas.