Abstract: In the present study, the distribution of nitrogen （N） and phosphorus （P） and characteristics of plant community in the soils with different using ways in desert grassland were investigated. Higher soil total P content and soil total N content was observed in re-seeding area and re-watering and re-seeding area, respectively; the highest and lowest soil N/P ratio was found in re-watering and re-seeding area and grazing-prohibited area, respectively; the height, coverage and density of plant community in re-watering and re-seeding area was higher than that in the other areas, and the lowest value was observed in grazing- prohibited area. The combined data suggest that the soil N/P ratio greatly influences the characteristics of plant community.