In the vadose zone, the soil energy and water balance and its driving forces are key factors that maintain soil moisture movement in the groundwater-soil-plant-atmospheric continuum (GSPAC) system. However, in arid regions with lower precipitation and water resources, studies on coupling soil water state and movement processes and the partitioning and migration of energy are important to understand the formation and transformation mechanisms of regional water resources. In this paper, advances in soil water transport theory are summarized. We also discuss the water cycle in the system and the possible ways by which soil water is lost under arid conditions, as well as the driving mechanisms behind rainwater infiltration, redistribution, drainage, evaporation, and capillary rise. This paper also reviews the ecological hydrological effect of soil moisture and energy processes on different spatial scales. In unsaturated soil systems, soil water movement is controlled by the vadose zone structure, soil physical characteristics, plant root system and soil biochemical environment. Changes in matter and energy balance are the driving forces of the hydrological cycle, and change in the soil environment is a fundamental factor for change in the soil water state. Therefore, under global climate change, studies on the energy and driving mechanism of coupling liquid water, water vapor, and heat transport through the interface between the soil surface and atmosphere or groundwater could elucidate the transport mechanism of soil water and help us to better understand regional climate and hydrological changes. The ultimate objective is to provide theoretical guidance for the restoration and construction of ecological vegetation and precision management of water resources.