Soil erosion in South China has decreased from 1985 to 2015, mainly due to human activities like soil and water conservation efforts. These efforts have reduced soil erosion by almost 64%, with most of the study area experiencing less erosion. However, building land expansion and plantations have worsened erosion in some areas. Investing in soil conservation has diminishing returns, and focusing on severely eroded regions is crucial for effective ecological management. This study provides insights for decision makers in South China to understand how human actions impact soil erosion and how to reduce it for sustainable development.