Objective To systematically evaluate the regulatory effects of different land use types on slope runoff and sediment yield processes and to elucidate their runoff and sediment reduction mechanisms, thereby providing a scientific basis for optimizing soil and water conservation measures under different land-use conditions. Methods Based on long-term fixed-position observation data from runoff plots in the Hugou small watershed of Song County, Henan Province, China, from 2016—2024, three representative slope gradients (10°, 15°, and 25°) were selected to investigate the runoff and sediment yield characteristics and the runoff and sediment reduction efficiencies under natural rainfall conditions for four land use types: bare land, cropland, forestland, and grassland. Results (1) Slope runoff depth, sediment concentration, and soil loss exhibited pronounced interannual variability but were jointly controlled by slope gradient and land-use type. (2) The average runoff depths of bare land and cropland were 48.45 mm and 26.10 mm, respectively, and their average sediment concentrations were 458.75 g/L and 313.81 g/L, respectively. The runoff and sediment reduction rates of grassland remained above 99% over the long term, those of forestland generally ranged from 23% to 100%, and the runoff and sediment reduction effect of cropland was relatively weak. (3) Average I30 had a significant negative effect on the runoff and sediment reduction rates of cropland and forestland (p<0.05); forest and grass coverage had a significant positive effect on the runoff and sediment reduction rate of forestland (p<0.01); runoff reduction played a key mediating role between rainfall erosivity and sediment output; and the runoff reduction process of grassland showed no significant response to rainfall and slope gradient changes. Conclusion In the loess hilly region of western Henan Province, near-natural vegetation configurations such as forestland and grassland can effectively reduce slope soil erosion. This study provides data support and practical guidance for comprehensive control of soil erosion, ecological restoration, and sustainable land use in the region.
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