Analysis of spatial and temporal changes in soil erosion in Henan Province over the last ten years

This study systematically analyzed the spatial and temporal changes in soil erosion in Henan Province from 2008 to 2018, using the RUSLE model, to quantitatively evaluate the soil erosion status and achieve high-quality agricultural development there. The possible factors driving soil erosion were discussed with a method using geographic detectors. The results showed that soil erosion in Henan Province was dominated by "slight erosion" over more than 95% of the province and that this increased year by year from 2008 to 2018. The area of "light erosion" decreased year by year while the area of "moderate and above erosion" showed no obvious change trend. The soil erosion situation in the western, southwestern, and southern regions of Henan Province improved significantly in recent years, while the soil erosion modulus in the northwestern and northern Yellow River basins had remained relatively high. The slope was the main factor affecting soil erosion due to its strong interpretation of and interaction with the former. This research can provide a scientific basis for the formulation of ecological governance and environmental protection policies to promote green and healthy development of the Yellow River basin