Abstract:

The patterns of spatial distribution of soil erosion and its relations with environmental factors in a range of topographical types in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River were studied through general survey and the establish- ment of permanent and temporary plots. The mechanism of silt transfer and principles of soil erosion were described and the ratios of silt transfer of watersheds were determined, 0.6-0.7 for the watersheds with an area smaller than 5 km² and 0.3 for those smaller than 30 km². Quantitative models to predict soil erosion in the slopes and watersheds were also established.

Key words: Soil erosions, Silt transfer ratio, Predicting model