The invention discloses a soil water storage and preservation planting method for a desert and arid areas. The planting method is characterized in that a layer of sand and cement concrete water storage tank or a plastic water storage tank is laid 0.3-3 meters under the ground of a desert or arid area, the water storage tank is filled with sandy soil, and plants are planted in the sandy soil. The soil water storage and preservation planting method has the following advantages: 1, the rainwater in the desert and arid areas does not permeate into the ground deeply, but permeates into the water storage tank, the root system of a plant can reach the water storage tank and absorb the water, the high soil moisture content is retained enduringly, and the normal growth of the plant is guaranteed; 2, the water irrigated by water conservancy facilities also permeates into the water storage tank, the water can be provided for a long time after one time of irrigation, the soil moisture content is greatly improved, the high soil moisture content is retained enduringly, abundant water can be provided for the growth of the plant, the water use efficiency is improved, and the cost of the water is reduced; and 3, the method is easy to carry out, can be used for a long time after one time of investment, and can be used for several tens or hundreds of years, the cost per year is not high, and the maintenance is not needed.