Assessment of soil erosion and its driving factors in the Huaihe region using the InVEST-SDR model

Aiming to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of soil erosion in the Huaihe region, this study uses the InVEST-SDR model to estimate the temporal and spatial changes of soil erosion and soil conservation in the Huaihe region in 2010, 2015 and 2020, and the driving factors are evaluated and quantified using Random Forest and Geodetector, respectively. The major findings are as follows: (1) From 2010 to 2020, soil loss and soil retention in the Huaihe region gradually intensified, while the spatial distribution trend was consistent from year to year. (2) The results from Random Forest and Geodetector show that changes in soil loss and soil retention are mainly influenced by slope and rainfall. (3) The steepness and length of slopes are the most influencing factors for soil erosion. Soil loss and soil retention vary widely between different land uses. Forests play an important role in soil conservation.

Automated summary

This study aims to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of soil erosion in the Huaihe region. The InVEST-SDR model is used to estimate the temporal and spatial changes of soil erosion and soil conservation. The driving factors are evaluated and quantified using Random Forest and Geodetector. The major findings indicate the intensification of soil loss and soil retention in the Huaihe region, influenced by factors such as slope and rainfall, with forests playing an important role in soil conservation.