Current status of soil and water loss in China and its preventive measures

Data from the Ministry of Water Resources, People's Republic of China, showed that the area affected by soil erosion in China is 3.558 million km(2), accounting for 37.4% of the total area of China. Soil erosion in China is caused by water and wind, which accounts for 45.1 % and 54.9 % of the total soil loss. The erosion can be divided into 5 grades, namely slight, moderate, intensive, very intensive and severe soil erosion. The ratio of slight erosion to total soil erosion is 45.7 %, and that of moderate erosion is 22.6 %. We propose comprehensive measures to prevent soil losses. Firstly, engineering measures should be combined with biological measures to prevent soil erosion. Secondly, better monitoring system should be set up. At the same time, more money should be invested in soil and water conservation to ensure the sustainable development of China.