Abstract: The present paper deals with the role of the forest litter layer in Huanglun mountain of Shensi.The thickness of litter layer ranged from 3 to 9cm.The moisture content of the layer ranged from 70.47 to 137.07 m³/ha;consequently the surface runoff has been regulated and soil erosion reduced. By the end of growing season,soil watercontent of different vegetation types are as fllowing: It is quite clear that the forest vegetation plays an important role in regulating surface runoff.