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Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Water".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 15445

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Peng Li

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Guest Editor

Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an, China
Interests: soil and water conservation; erosion dynamics; hydrological process in arid regions; utilization of soil and water resources; ecological restoration
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Dr. Jianye Ma

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Guest Editor

Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an, China
Interests: soil erosion; soil and water conservation; isotopic hydrology; ecological restoration; plant roots
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Dr. Binhua Zhao

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Guest Editor

College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’ an 710048, China
Interests: simulation and regulation of water and sediment dynamic processes in basins
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil erosion is a global environmental problem, leading to reductions in land productivity, water scarcity, and ecological system degradation, thereby threating food security. Therefore, the work of soil and water conservation has emerged as a priority for some countries. However, soil erosion and soil and water conservation are a complicated process, and extensive research is needed to elucidate their underlying mechanisms and to take appropriate conservation measures.

In recent years, researchers have conducted extensive work on soil erosion processes and mechanisms, the effect of vegetation when engineering measures for erosion reduction, and the development of soil erosion models. Systematic studies have been carried out on hydrodynamics, soil properties, and accompanying processes, and abundant achievements have been made.

We invite contributions, including analyses and empirical work, that focus on soil erosion and soil and water conservation, carried out either globally or in specific regions. We also encourage empirical research on hydrological factors, climate change, and human activities that could affect soil erosion and soil and water conservation. Other original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: hydrology, ecohydrology, climate change, soil quality, vegetation restoration, soil and water conservation ecological services, carbon sinks, the application of artificial intelligence in soil and water conservation, and desertification control.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Peng Li
Dr. Jianye Ma
Dr. Binhua Zhao
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

soil erosion
soil and water conservation
ecohydrology
climate change
vegetation restoration
gully engineering

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Related Special Issue

Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation in Water (16 articles)

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Research

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24 pages, 3168 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Soil Detachment Characteristics Before and After Disturbance Due to Collapsing Wall Soil and Differences in the Underlying Mechanisms in Anxi County of Southeast China

by Xiaofang Xie, Yuyang Chen, Tiancheng Li, Xinyi Lv, Xiaolin Li, Xiang Zhang, Yue Zhang, Jinshi Lin, Fangshi Jiang and Yanhe Huang

Water 2026, 18(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18050575 - 27 Feb 2026

Viewed by 440

Abstract

To clarify the differences in and mechanisms of soil detachment before and after soil collapse, five typical granite soil layers (red soil, red soil–sandy soil, sandy soil, sandy soil–debris, and debris layers) of Benggang in Anxi County, Fujian Province, were studied via laboratory runoff scouring tests, and the detachment capabilities and influencing factors of undisturbed (original) and disturbed (colluvial deposit) soils were compared. The results showed that disturbance due to soil collapse significantly increases the soil detachment capacity by an average of 1046 times, with the greatest increase occurring in the red soil–sand soil layer (3494 times) and the smallest increase occurring in the debris layer (63 times). The undisturbed soil detachment capacity increases with increasing soil depth, whereas the disturbed soil capacity first increases but then decreases, with the sand layer having the highest capacity. Hydrodynamic fitting results revealed that undisturbed red soil has a linear relationship, red soil–sandy soil and sandy soil layers have power function relationships, and sandy soil–debris and debris layers have logarithmic relationships with flow shear stress. Disturbed red soil and red soil–sandy soil layers are linearly related, whereas the other layers are logarithmically related. Correlation analysis revealed that undisturbed soil detachment is significantly negatively correlated with clay, silt, gravel, free iron oxide, and free alumina contents and positively correlated with sand content. Disturbed soil shows similar correlations, but it has a negative correlation with organic matter instead of gravel. Structural equation modelling (SEM) path analysis revealed that undisturbed soil detachment is affected mainly by negative free alumina oxide content (path coefficient of −0.87) and flow shear stress (path coefficient of 0.14), whereas disturbed soil is controlled mainly by negative shear strength (path coefficient of −0.76) and positive flow shear stress (path coefficient of 0.49). This study elucidates the mechanism by which colluvial deposit disturbance accelerates soil detachment, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of Benggang erosion in the hilly regions of southern China with red soil. Moreover, the comparative research strategy adopted in this study offers a reference for related investigations in similar erosion-prone areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 4011 KB

Open AccessArticle

Projected Future Trends in Runoff and Sediment Transport in Typical Rivers of the Yellow River Basin, China

by Beilei Liu, Yongbin Wei, Chuanming Wang, Xiaorong Chen, Pan Wang, Jianye Ma and Peng Li

Water 2026, 18(3), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18030421 - 5 Feb 2026

Viewed by 553

Abstract

This study systematically evaluated the response mechanisms of water and sediment processes in the Kuye River Basin to climate change and human activities from 2023 to 2053 by integrating multi-source climate scenarios (CMIP5 models), land-use change projections (based on the Markov chain model), and a distributed hydrological model (SWAT model). The results indicate that under the RCP8.5 high-emission scenario, annual precipitation in the basin shows a non-significant increasing trend but with intensified interannual variability. Spatially, precipitation exhibits a pattern of increasing from northwest to southeast, with a marked decadal transition occurring around 2043. Land-use structure undergoes significant transformation, with construction land projected to account for 30.54% of the total basin area by 2050, while grassland and cropland continue to decline. Water and sediment processes display distinct phased characteristics: a fluctuating adjustment phase (2023–2033), a relatively stable phase (2034–2043), and a sharp growth phase (2044–2053). Parameter sensitivity analysis identifies the curve number (CN2) and soil bulk density (SOL_BD) as key regulatory parameters, revealing the synergistic mechanism by which land-use changes amplify climatic effects through alterations in surface properties. Based on the findings, an adaptive watershed management framework is proposed, encompassing dynamic water resource regulation, spatial zoning, targeted erosion control, and iterative scientific management. Particular emphasis is placed on addressing hydrological transition risks around 2043 and promoting low-impact development practices in high-erosion areas. This study provides a scientific basis for the integrated management of water and soil resources in the context of ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. The methodology developed herein offers a valuable reference for predicting water and sediment processes and implementing adaptive management in similar semi-arid basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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32 pages, 25756 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Spatio-Temporal Changes and Driving Factors of Soil and Water Conservation Ecosystem Services in the Source Region of the Yellow River

by Xiaoqing Li, Xingnian Zhang, Keding Sheng, Fengqiuli Zhang, Tongde Chen and Binzu Yan

Water 2026, 18(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18010128 - 5 Jan 2026

Viewed by 855

Abstract

This study takes the source region of the Yellow River from 2000 to 2024 as the research area, and integrates multi-source remote sensing, long-term meteorological observation, and land use data from 2000 to 2024. Using GIS spatial analysis, the standard ellipse model, and a geographic detector, this study systematically depicts the spatio-temporal heterogeneity and multi-scale evolution trend of soil and water conservation services, and then quantifies the spatial differentiation of the contribution rate of climate fluctuation, land use transformation, and human activity intensity to service change. The results showed the following: (1) The land use pattern in the source region of the Yellow River showed a one-way transformation of “grassland dominated, forest land increased alone, and the rest decreased”. The net increase in forest land 204.3 km² was all from the transformation of grassland. The vegetation coverage increased by 9.9%, and the low-value area of soil and water conservation services in the northwest continued to expand. (2) The overall moving distance of the center of gravity of soil and water conservation service capacity is not significant compared with the spatial scale of the source area of the Yellow River. The standard deviation ellipse of each year also did not show systematic and large changes in area, shape, or direction. (3) Annual mean temperature (Q = 0.590) and vegetation coverage (Q = 0.527) are the most influential single factors, while the interaction between annual mean temperature and precipitation (bidirectional enhancement) is the most stable synergistic driving combination. The single-factor Q values of topography and human activities were <0.10. (4) Climate and economic factors are the key factors driving the spatial differentiation of soil and water conservation service capacity, and the role of each driving factor has an optimal range to reduce the risk of soil erosion. The optimal range of population density is 7~9 person/km², the optimal range of average GDP is 11,900~14,100 yuan/km², the optimal range of annual average temperature is 1.71~3.47 °C, the optimal range of annual precipitation is 682~730 mm, the optimal range of vegetation coverage is 81.7~100%, and the optimal range of altitude is 3390~3740 m. The optimal range of slope is 18.3~24.3°. The optimal range of soil moisture is 26.7~29.4%. The optimal range of grazing intensity is 0.352~0.652. The study proposes countermeasures such as strict control of development in high-value areas of soil and water conservation services and key ecological restoration in low-value areas, the establishment of breeding bases and catchment areas in low-precipitation areas to cope with climate change, the optimization of grazing strategies, so as to provide scientific support for the stability of alpine grassland ecosystem services, and the high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 10525 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Construction of Check Dams on the Loess Plateau Has Prolonged Water Transmission Times and Altered Recharge Relationships

by Yi Sun, Yi Zhang, Xiao-Jun Liu, Chen Meng, Yu-Ting Cheng and Jing Wang

Water 2025, 17(22), 3320; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223320 - 20 Nov 2025

Viewed by 976

Abstract

Background: As a key structure for gully control on the Loess Plateau, check dams are designed to intercept sediment and reduce flood peaks without intentional water storage. However, persistent ponding zones have often formed upstream of dams in the Niejia River Basin, exceeding their intended functionality. Methods: This study examines the basin using hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes to trace hydrological processes. Based on 251 water samples, mixing models and exponential fitting were applied to quantify water sources and transmission times. Results: Results show that precipitation (47.07%) and groundwater (34.48%) are the main sources of channel water. Check dams extended water transmission time in dammed tributaries to 489 days—2.8 times longer than in undammed ones. Conclusions: This delay enhances watershed storage capacity, providing insight into the hydrological impacts of check dams on the Loess Plateau. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 2725 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Soil Erosion Processes Based on Micro-ΔDEM

by Na Ta, Chenguang Wang, Shixiang Zhao and Qingfeng Zhang

Water 2025, 17(17), 2557; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172557 - 28 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1489

Abstract

The spatial distribution traits of microtopography exert a profound influence on the generation of runoff and sediment. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism through which microtopography alterations, triggered by diverse factors, impact soil erosion remains largely elusive. In light of that, this study simulated conventional farming practices on the Loess Plateau: artificial backhoe, artificial digging, and contour tillage (CT), with no tillage (CK) designated as the control group. The objective was to meticulously investigate the variations in microtopography, runoff, and sediment yield under disparate treatment conditions, rainfall intensities (60 mm/h and 90 mm/h), and slope gradients (5°, 10°, and 20°). The principal findings were as follows: With the amplification of rainfall intensity, the elevation change rate and fractal dimension of various treatments generally exhibited an upward trend, whereas the structural ratio showed a downward tendency. As the slope gradient increased, the elevation change rate and structural ratio of different treatments typically increased. However, the fractal dimension displayed no conspicuous alteration at a rainfall intensity of 60 mm/h and a decreasing trend at 90 mm/h. Under different rainfall intensity scenarios, a robust linear correlation existed between the fractal dimension and both runoff and sediment yield (R² > 0.73), rendering it an outstanding parameter for estimating these variables within the scope of this research. Path analysis revealed that the indirect effect of microtopography on sediment yield, which was mediated by runoff, constituted 77.80–96.47% of the direct effect. Moreover, under different rainfall intensities, the alterations in runoff and sediment yield ensuing from unit-scale changes in the fractal dimension varied significantly. Specifically, at a rainfall intensity of 90 mm/h, these changes were 1.70-fold and 3.75-fold those at 60 mm/h, respectively. Overall, the CT treatment engendered the lowest runoff and sediment yield, along with the highest fractal dimension, thereby emerging as the most efficacious measure for soil and water conservation in this study. The research outcomes offer valuable perspectives for further elucidating the mechanisms through which tillage practices impinge upon soil erosion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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27 pages, 16782 KB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Grain Yield to Extreme Precipitation in Major Grain-Producing Areas of China Against the Background of Climate Change—A Case Study of Henan Province

by Keding Sheng, Rui Li, Fengqiuli Zhang, Tongde Chen, Peng Liu, Yanan Hu, Bingyin Li and Zhiyuan Song

Water 2025, 17(15), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152342 - 6 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2589

Abstract

Based on the panel data of daily meteorological stations and winter wheat yield in Henan Province from 2000 to 2023, this study comprehensively used the Mann–Kendall trend test, wavelet coherence analysis (WTC), and other methods to reveal the temporal and spatial evolution of extreme precipitation and its multi-scale stress mechanism on grain yield. The results showed the following: (1) Extreme precipitation showed the characteristics of ‘frequent fluctuation-gentle trend-strong spatial heterogeneity’, and the maximum daily precipitation in spring (RX1DAY) showed a significant uplift. The increase in rainstorm events (R95p/R99p) in the southern region during the summer is particularly prominent; at the same time, the number of consecutive drought days (CDDs > 15 d) in the middle of autumn was significantly prolonged. It was also found that 2010 is a significant mutation node. Since then, the synergistic effect of ‘increasing drought days–increasing rainstorm frequency’ has begun to appear, and the short-period coherence of super-strong precipitation (R99p) has risen to more than 0.8. (2) The spatial pattern of winter wheat in Henan is characterized by the three-level differentiation of ‘stable core area, sensitive transition zone and shrinking suburban area’, and the stability of winter wheat has improved but there are still local risks. (3) There is a multi-scale stress mechanism of extreme precipitation on winter wheat yield. The long-period (4–8 years) drought and flood events drive the system risk through a 1–2-year lag effect (short-period (0.5–2 years) medium rainstorm intensity directly impacted the production system). This study proposes a ‘sub-scale governance’ strategy, using a 1–2-year lag window to establish a rainstorm warning mechanism, and optimizing drainage facilities for high-risk areas of floods in the south to improve the climate resilience of the agricultural system against the background of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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Review

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27 pages, 3704 KB

Open AccessReview

Radionuclide Tracing in Global Soil Erosion Studies: A Bibliometric and Systematic Review

by Yinhong Huang, Yong Yuan, Yang Xue, Jinjin Guo, Wen Zeng, Yajuan Chen and Kun Chen

Water 2025, 17(17), 2652; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172652 - 8 Sep 2025

Viewed by 2027

Abstract

Radionuclide tracer technology, as a state-of-the-art tool for quantifying and monitoring soil erosion processes, has attracted much attention in global sustainable land management research in recent years. However, existing studies are fragmented in methodological applications, lack systematic knowledge integration and interdisciplinary perspectives, and lack global research trends and dynamic evolution of key themes. This study integrates Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to conduct bibliometric and knowledge mapping analysis of 1692 documents (2000–2023) in the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on the overall developmental trends, thematic evolution, and progress of convergence and innovation. The main findings of the study are as follows: (1) China, the United States, and the United Kingdom are in a “three-legged race” at the national level, with China focusing on technological application innovation, the United States on theoretical breakthroughs, and the United Kingdom contributing significantly to methodological research; (2) “soil erosion” and “¹³⁷Cs” continue to be the core themes, while “climate change” and “human impact” on soil erosion and its reflection in radionuclide tracing became the focus of attention; and (3) multi-scale radionuclide tracing (watershed, slope), multi-method synergy (radionuclide tracing combined with RS, GIS, AI), and the integration of advanced measurement and control technologies (PGS, ARS) have become cutting-edge trends in soil erosion monitoring and control. This study provides three prospective research directions—the construction of a global soil erosion database, the policy transformation mechanism of the SDG interface, and the iterative optimization of multi-radionuclide tracer technology, which will provide scientific guidance for the realization of the sustainable management of soil erosion and the goal of zero growth of land degradation globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 5922 KB

Open AccessReview

Bibliometric Analysis of the Impact of Soil Erosion on Lake Water Environments in China

by Xingshuai Mei, Guangyu Yang, Mengqing Su, Tongde Chen, Haizhen Yang and Sen Wang

Water 2025, 17(17), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172592 - 1 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1576

Abstract

With the increasing attention to China’s ecological environment protection and the prominence of lake water environment problems, the impact of soil erosion on lake ecosystems has become an important research topic for regional sustainable development. Based on the CiteSpace bibliometric method, this study systematically analyzed 225 research articles on the impact of soil erosion on the water environment of lakes in China in the core collection of Web of Science from 1998 to 2025, aiming to reveal the research hotspots, evolution trends and regional differences in this field. The results show that China occupies a dominant position in this field (209 papers), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the core research institution (93 papers). The research hotspots show obvious policy-driven characteristics, which are divided into slow start periods (1998–2007), accelerated growth periods (2008–2015), explosive growth periods (2016–2020) and stable development periods (2021–2025). A keyword cluster analysis identified nine main research directions, including sedimentation effect (#0 cluster), soil loss (#2 cluster) and nitrogen and phosphorus migration (#11 cluster) in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. The study found that the synergistic effects of climate change and human activities (such as land use change) are becoming a new research paradigm, and the Yangtze River Basin, the Loess Plateau and the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau constitute the three core research areas (accounting for 72.3% of the total literature). Future research should focus on a multi-scale coupling mechanism, a climate resilience assessment and an ecological engineering effectiveness verification to support the precise implementation of lake protection policies in China. This study provides a scientific basis for the comprehensive management of the soil erosion–lake water environment system, and also contributes a Chinese perspective to the sustainable development goals (SDG6 and SDG15) of similar regions in the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 10653 KB

Open AccessReview

Bibliometric Insights into the Impact of Vegetation on Water Erosion in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Under Climate Change

by Hao Peng, Xingshuai Mei, Tongde Chen, Yanan Hu and Xiaodong Ma

Water 2025, 17(17), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172579 - 1 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1547

Abstract

In the past 25 years, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau has experienced a significant climate transition, which directly triggers vegetation degradation. Vegetation degradation also aggravated the water erosion process in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The accelerated warming from 2011 led to the emergence of degraded patches in the central region. The spatial heterogeneity of erosion intensity in the degraded area of Northwest China is significantly enhanced by the extreme climate events after 2021. In recent years, under the influence of human activities, vegetation degradation has aggravated the water erosion phenomenon. Based on the above content, this study analyzes the literature on the impact of vegetation on water erosion in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau under climate change from 2008 to 2025 from the perspective of bibliometrics. CiteSpace software v.6.3.R1 was used to visualize the knowledge map of the 206 selected articles, and the research hotspots, topics, and development process in this field were analyzed. The results show that the main research hotspots in this field are climate change, basin, CO₂ consumption, etc., which can be divided into eight main research topics; after three stages of development, the research relationship between climate–vegetation–water erosion has gradually become clear. By identifying research gaps, future research can consider three aspects: cross-scale multi-dimensional analysis, technical method innovation, and policy collaborative research to address the dual challenges of vegetation degradation and water erosion in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau under the dual pressures of climate change and human activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 8812 KB

Open AccessReview

Bibliometric Views on Lake Changes in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Under the Background of Climate Change

by Xingshuai Mei, Guangyu Yang, Mengqing Su, Tongde Chen, Haizhen Yang, Lingling Wang, Yubo Rong and Chunjing Zhao

Water 2025, 17(16), 2429; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17162429 - 17 Aug 2025

Viewed by 2025

Abstract

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a sensitive area of global climate change and an “Asian water tower” and lakes in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau changes are of great significance to the regional hydrological cycle and ecological balance. However, the existing research mostly focuses on a single lake or short-term monitoring, and lacks a systematic review of the evolution of knowledge structure and interdisciplinary dynamics. Based on 354 literatures from CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Web of Science, this study used CiteSpace 6.3.R1 software to construct a scientific knowledge map of lake changes in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau under the background of climate change for the first time. By analyzing the number of publications, research hotspots, institutional cooperation networks and keyword emergence rules, the core triangle structure of ”climate change–Qinghai-Tibet Plateau–lake” was revealed, and the three stages of sedimentary reconstruction (2002–2008), glacier–lake coupling (2005–2014) and human–land system comprehensive research (2015–2025) were divided. The study found that the scientific literature written in Chinese and the scientific literature written in English focused on empirical cases and model simulations, respectively, The research frontiers focused on hot karst lakes (burst intensity 3.71), lake water level (2.97) and carbon cycle (2.13). The research force is centered on the Chinese Academy of Sciences, forming a cluster of institutions in the northwest region, but international cooperation only accounts for 12.3%. Future research needs to deepen multi-source data fusion, strengthen cross-regional comparison, and build an international cooperation network to cope with the complex challenges of plateau lake systems under climate change. This study provides a scientific basis for the paradigm shift and future direction of plateau lake research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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