The freeze-thaw cycle of the soil is due to the periodic changes of atmospheric temperature. The soil layer alternates between freezing and thawing. It changes with seasons or day and night heat changes. It widerly exists in grassland，farmland，forest and other ecosystems. The freeze-thaw cycle plays an important role in agricultural production，effective use of soil resources，and prediction of ecological climate and hydrological environment. In recent years，researches on the ecological effects of soil freeze-thaw cycles have become increasingly extensive. This article focuses on the research progress of soil freeze-thaw cycles at home and abroad in recent years，and summarizes the effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the soil physical，chemical and biological properties. Existing studies have shown that the freeze-thaw cycle uses soil as the transfer substrate to change the water movement，and it is also the process of soil energy input and output. In addition，the freeze-thaw cycle will also affect the soil erosion resistance，especially during the spring thawing period，the soil erosion is very obvious with high soil water content and snow-covered areas. The influence of freeze-thaw cycle process on soil biochemistry is mainly through acting on the soil microbial flora，microbial biomass and activity，etc.，causing changes in the composition and structure of the microbial community. Based on this，this article summarizes the existing research at home and abroad in terms of the effects of freeze-thaw cycles on soil physical and chemical properties(hydrothemal status，aggregates and shear resistance)，carbon and nitrogen cycles，enzyme activities and microbial activities，in order to provide an important scientific basis for in-depth discussion of the ecological effects of soil freeze-thaw cycles and a series of ecological and environmental issues.