Soil erosion control practices in Chinese Loess Plateau show mixed results.
Soil erosion control practices in the Chinese Loess Plateau were reviewed to see how effective they are. The study looked at different types of erosion control methods, the scales at which they were used, and their cost-effectiveness. Most studies focused on ecological restoration programs, engineering techniques, and soil management. Watershed scale assessments were common, while cross-scale evaluations were rare. These practices improved soil-related ecosystem services but had mixed effects on water-related services. There were trade-offs between soil erosion control and water provision, but also synergies with water use efficiency and crop production. The study suggests combining different erosion control methods, examining them at different scales, and finding a balance between soil and water conservation.