As the most widely recognized ecological strategy theory, the variation in plant CSR strategies along environmental gradients aids in understanding plants' ecological adaptation to environmental changes. To investigate the variation in ecological strategies among different grassland communities, we selected ten sampling sites along an east-west moisture gradient, with eight 1 m × 1 m plots at each site for community structure surveys. Furthermore, we sampled and measured the key functional traits of leaves and absorptive roots of common species within each community. CSR values were calculated using the StrateFy tool, and community-level values were derived through the community-weighted mean. The findings indicated that: (1) The S strategy was predominant across communities within the various vegetation types of the central Loess Plateau; (2) The water gradient directly and indirectly influenced community-level CSR strategy variation by affecting leaf area; (3) Community-level CSR strategy was significantly associated with community weighted mean of root nitrogen concentration (CWM-RNC) and community weighted mean of root dry matter content (CWM-RDMC) of absorptive roots, but showed no significant correlation with community weighted mean of specific root length (CWM-SRL) or community weighted mean of root diameter (CWM-RD) of absorptive roots. These findings contribute to our understanding of plant adaptation and offer a theoretical foundation for vegetation restoration and biodiversity conservation.