Critical slope gradient for compulsory abandonment of farmland on the hilly Loess Plateau

Scientific evidence for the upper limit of farmland is proposed. Shallow gully erosion is one of erosion types distributed extensively on sloping farmland in the hilly regions of the Loess Plateau. Field observation and aerial photos interpretation, as well as laboratory experiments show that the shallow gully erosion occurring on the steeper farmland in the hilly regions of the Loess Plateau is an important factor leading to intensive erosion on slope, because of its extensive distribution and intensive runoff collection. The data on the formation, development and distribution of shallow gullies on sloping farmland indicate that critical slope gradient for shallow gully initiation ranges from 15 to 20 degrees with an average of 18.2 degrees. Therefore, it is suggested that critical slope gradient for compulsory abandonment of farmland on the hilly Loess Plateau should be kept within the critical slope gradient for shallow gully initiation to prevent shallow gully formation in order to control soil loss more effectively. But as the first step, the cultivation on the slopes with slope larger than 25 degrees where the maximum erosion occurs should be strictly forbidden.