Abstract: In order to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of soil moisture and soil nutrients in young apple (Malus pumila)-soybean (Glycine max) intercropping system and its influence on soybean growth and yield, young apple-soybean intercropping pattern which was typical and representative in loess region of west Shanxi Province was studied and soil moisture and soil nutrients in apple-soybean intercropping system and soybean monoculture system were monitored separately for comparison. The results showed that: (1) in vertical direction, with the increase of soil depth, soil moisture increased while soil nutrients decreased; (2) in horizontal direction, with the increase of distance between crops and trees, soil moisture increased while the distribution of soil nutrients was high-low-high; (3) compared with soybean monoculture system, soil moisture and soil nutrients in intercropping system were both lower. It had negative effect in general; (4) the competition for soil moisture and soil nutrients between apple tree and soybean in apple-soybean intercropping system had a great influence on soybean growth. Soil moisture content, available phosphorus content and total nitrogen content were main factors influencing soybean yield and the range of main influence scope were 1.5m from the apple tree; (5) in order to achieve more economic benefits, appropriate regulation and management measures should be taken to alleviate competition for soil moisture and soil nutrients between species and to increase soybean yield.