Analysis of soil erosion in central and eastern China: A spatial model approach

Soil erosion is a widespread environmental problem that threatens environmental sustainability. The purpose of this study is to explore the spatial characteristics of soil erosion in 24 provinces in central and eastern China, which are mainly affected by hydraulic erosion. Initially, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model is used to evaluate the intensity of soil erosion. Then, the global spatial correlation and spatial spillover effects of soil erosion in the study area are analyzed by using Moran’s I index test and the spatial Markov chain method, respectively. Finally, the spatial Durbin model is introduced to analyze the spatial correlation of soil erosion and the spatial spillover effects of soil erosion–influencing factors. Results show that soil erosion in 24 provinces exhibits a significant spatial correlation and spatial spillover effect, and the intensity of soil erosion in each province is affected by the intensity of soil erosion in neighboring provinces. Simultaneously, soil erosion in each province demonstrates spatial aggregation characteristics, showing high–high and low–low aggregations in spatial distribution. In addition, the regression results of the spatial Durbin model indicate that the soil erosion–influencing factors exhibit spatial spillover effects. Each influencing factor will not only affect the intensity of soil erosion in this province, but it will also affect those in neighboring provinces. In conclusion, the spatial characteristics of soil erosion should be considered in the prevention and control of soil erosion in 24 provinces in central and eastern China, and overall and regional cooperative soil and water conservation policies should be formulated. This study promotes research on soil erosion from the spatial dimension and provides a new practical approach for regional soil erosion assessment.