Objective This study aims to clarify the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of soil erosion in the Baiyangdian Basin and reveal its response patterns to changes in different land use types. Methods Based on hourly rainfall data and remote sensing data on land use, vegetation, and soil from five periods (2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2023), the RUSLE model was used to quantitatively calculate and spatially analyze the soil erosion conditions in the basin. Results (1) Spatially, soil erosion intensity was higher in the northwestern mountainous areas and lower in the southeastern plains, with significant interannual variations. The erosion modulus was lowest in 2020 〔1.071 t/(hm2 · a)〕 due to improved vegetation cover, and highest in 2023 〔4.014 t/(hm2 · a)〕 under extreme rainfall events. (2) Among all land use types, unused land and grassland had the highest erosion modulus and showed a continuous increase. Cropland had the highest contribution rate to total erosion, while forestland and shrubland maintained relatively low erosion levels. (3) Ecological construction effectively reduced the area of moderate and high erosion. However, under extreme rainfall conditions, topographic relief markedly increased the erosion risk on slope cropland and unused land in the western mountainous areas, whereas high vegetation cover exhibited a pronounced buffering effect. Conclusion Soil erosion in the Baiyangdian Basin is jointly driven by topography, rainfall, and land use. Although ecological construction is generally effective, slope cropland in the western mountainous areas under extreme weather conditions remains a priority for erosion prevention and control. Future efforts should focus on the refined protection of these high-risk areas.
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