ИСТИНА

This research aims to comprehensively assess the dynamics of soil loss attributed to water-induced soil erosion in the Beijing region. Soil erosion by water constitutes one of the most potent processes of soil and land degradation, resulting in the degradation of the quality of ecosystem services provided. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms and impacts of soil erosion by water is critical for developing effective strategies to mitigate its effects and protect our environment. The first challenge is the efficient evaluation of soil erosion by water across vast territories, as field measurements can be costly for extensive areas. Modeling and subsequent verification through field measurements offer a cost-effective approach. The second challenge lies in the limitations of existing models, often designed for specific regions and data conditions. Our research aims to solve these problems by adapting the widely used RUSLE2 model to our data and local conditions. Beijing was chosen as our research area due to its rich data resources and ample field measurement results for soil erosion by water. The outcomes of this investigation revealed that the average annual soil erosion in the study area amounted to approximately 3.57×10^6 t ha^−1 year^−1 between 2001 and 2010. The variation between our results and those of other studies was minimal, with a negligible discrepancy of -0.28%. The central urban area of Beijing exhibited a relatively light level of soil loss, while most of the mountainous regions showed soil loss levels ranging from slight to moderate. The most significant soil loss, classified as severe, was observed in the border areas between mountainous and urban regions. This research underscores the effectiveness of the modified RUSLE2 model in delivering accurate and reliable results that closely align with findings from other studies in the research area.