The researchers studied how changes in rainfall, land use, and check dams affect soil erosion and sediment in a Chinese watershed. They found that building check dams reduced sediment by 54% in 2006. Land use changes and rainfall variations also played significant roles in reducing sediment. Areas at high risk of erosion were mainly in the middle of the watershed. The study suggests that protecting check dams, especially during floods, is crucial for managing sediment in the watershed.