Background The risk of soil and water loss can better reflect the spatial difference of soil erosion in the region. It is of great practical significance to the rational allocation of soil and water conservation measures and the formulation of soil and water conservation policies. This work aims to explore the risk of soil and water loss and its spatial differences, and support the management, planning and evaluation of soil and water loss.

Methods Based on CSLE model and supported by GIS and RS, this paper adopted multi-stage natural breakpoint method and spatial superposition analysis method, to carry out soil and water loss risk assessment in Mengyin county, a national key governance area. The spatial distribution characteristics and risk relationship were analyzed.

Results 1) The risk of soil and water loss and its risk factors were high in the south and north, but low in the middle. The "relatively high" and "high" risk levels were mainly distributed in Duzhuang, Dagu, Yedian and Tanbu towns. 2)The risk of soil and water loss in mountainous and hilly areas was significantly higher than that in plain areas. The "relatively high" and "high" risks were mainly concentrated in slope grades of 8°-15° and 15°-25°. The "medium" and "low" risks increased with elevation and surface undulation height, and the distribution area of the "medium" and "low" risks increased in each geomorphic type. 3)There was no risk for urban and village construction land, transportation land, water area and water conservancy facilities land, and the "relatively high" and "high" water risks were mainly distributed in slope farmland, slope orchard and mining land. 4) The "relatively high" and "high" risks of forest and grass land were mainly distributed in the middle and lower cover levels, while those of orchard land were mainly distributed in the low and middle and low cover levels.

Conclusions In the future soil and water loss prevention and conservation planning work, it is necessary to focus on areas with high risk of soil and water loss and carry out scientific and targeted management work.