Abstract—

The Chinese Mollisol region is affected by soil erosion. Soil and water conservation (SWC) measures are effective in preventing these phenomena. However, few studies have systematically reviewed soil erosion and SWC measures in this region. The objectives of this paper were to analyze soil erosion and identify typical SWC measures on hillslopes in this Mollisol region. A literature review and analysis were conducted. Soil erosion is widespread in this region and is dominated by snowmelt and wind erosion in winter and spring, rainfall in summer and wind erosion in autumn. The A-horizon thicknesses and organic matter content of the Mollisol decreased with an increase in the number of years of cultivation. Therefore, controlling soil erosion is a means to protect this precious Mollisol resource. The characteristics of 39 SWC measures used on hillslopes were summarized. Among these measures, the contour ridge, large ridge, minimal tillage with residue mulching, no-tillage, straw returning, slope terrace, ridge belt, and agricultural protection forest approaches were the most typical SWC measures. Furthermore, the new tillage measure of half-ridge planting needs to be examined in future studies. In conclusion, it is of practical significance to select suitable SWC measures for different hillslopes in the Mollisol region.