The basic concept of soil water repellency was introduced, the effects of soil water repellency on field water cycle, soil and water conservation, and groundwater environment was summed up. The reasons of soil water repellency were analyzed. The domestic and international methods used for detecting the degree of soil water repellency and their characteristics were introduced. The research advancement of spatial variability for soil water repellency, soil water movement of water repellent soil during infiltration and evaporation process, and measures for improving infiltration ability of hydrophobic soil were also reviewed and assessed thoroughly. Since there were closed associations between soil water repellency and filed water cycle, microbe activity, runoff and sediment production, and pollution of ground water environment, it was urgent to do related research.