Assessment of Effectiveness and Suitability of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Hillslopes of the Black Soil Region in Northeast China

Abstract

There are four sizable black soil regions throughout the world, all of which are valuable natural resources. The black soil region in Northeast China is a major foundation for grain production. Serious risks of soil erosion do exist, and they have an immediate impact on both the country’s food security and future ecological security. Many soil and water conservation measures have been put in place to control soil erosion. However, how effective and suitable are these measures? Currently, systematic analyses and assessments are lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and suitability of soil and water conservation measures on hillslopes using the comprehensive index method and the Pressure–State–Response model. The categorization of effectiveness and suitability of these measures were similar for both methods: that is, very effective and suitable measures included no-tillage + straw mulch and ridge belt or contour ridge. The two methods validated one another. Thus, this categorization standard is useful for choosing the best soil and water conservation measures for different soil erosion regions.