Abstract: To investigate the soil hydrological ecological characteristics of different economic shrub forests in the semi-arid region of western Heilongjiang Province, this study selected six economic shrub forests (Corylus heterophylla, Lycium chinense, Hippophae rhamnoides, Prunus tomentosa, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rosa davurica) and grassland as research objects. Combining field sampling with laboratory experimental analysis, we comparatively analyzed the differences in soil water storage capacity within the 0-60 cm soil layer among the six shrub forests. Results showed that, except for soil bulk density and retention water storage capacity, other soil water storage indicators were significantly influenced by shrub species and soil depth (P< 0.05). Both soil moisture content and bulk density increased with soil depth. Compared with grassland, shrub forests exhibited lower soil bulk density, higher porosity, enhanced water-holding capacity, and greater water storage capacity, demonstrating significantly superior soil water conservation capabilities. Among different shrub species, Prunus tomentosa forest displayed notably better soil hydrological-physical properties, water retention, and storage performance than other shrubs, making it an optimal economic shrub species for soil water conservation. These findings provide theoretical support for understanding regional shrub forest soil hydrological characteristics and selecting economic shrub species conducive to water conservation in semi-arid areas.