Aims <p>As an important natural resource, soil plays a crucial role in agriculture, construction, energy and ecology. The diversity and complex structure of soil make the migration of moisture and heat within it influenced and constrained by various factors. Therefore, studying coupled moisture-heat migration in soil is key to improve and prevent soil-related problems.</p> Methods <p>This paper summarizes the current state of research on soil moisture-heat coupling theories both domestically and internationally. It also reviews the moisture-heat migration patterns of soil under various conditions such as frozen soil, saline soil, soil mulching conditions, and heat sources. Based on this, the current issues in the research of soil moisture-heat coupled transport are summarized, and future development trends are identified.</p> Results <p>Research on soil moisture-heat migration models and mechanisms under different conditions has developed rapidly, particularly in areas such as the periodic analysis of soil moisture-heat migration, large-scale prediction, interactions with plants and solutes, and soil monitoring. Progress has been made in soil texture improvement and the mitigation of soil-related diseases.</p> Conclusions <p>Future research should focus on strengthening the study of feedback mechanisms between soil moisture-heat conditions, the environment, climate, and plant growth. Efforts should be made to improve the monitoring capabilities for large-scale soil geology and soil moisture-heat dynamics. Comprehensive multidimensional coupling analysis of soil structure, moisture, temperature, solutes, mechanical properties, surface conditions, and environmental factors should be conducted to enable precise monitoring and effective prevention of problematic soils. This will provide scientific support for ecosystem management and sustainable agricultural development.</p>