Objective Explore the relationship between the K value of soil erodibility and physicochemical properties of stratified soils at the head of the gully in the typical black soil region, reveal the mechanism of key factors, and provide a theoretical basis for soil erosion management in the black soil region. Methods By investigating the head of gullies developed in farmland in Hainan Township, Hailun City, 11 typical black soil gullies head profiles were selected, soil layers (A, B, and C layers) were divided, stratified soil samples were collected, and soil physicochemical properties were determined. Soil erodibility K values were calculated according to the EPIC model. Results 1) The water stable aggregates of different grain sizes (>5 mm, 2―5 mm, 1―2 mm, 0.5―1 mm, and >0.25 mm) showed a decreasing trend with the increase of soil depth at the head of the gully, and the indicators of mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter, total soil porosity and organic matter were all in the A layer > B layer > C layer, and the soil bulk density was in the opposite direction; 2) Soil erodibility K value ranges from 0.042 9 to 0.051 7 (t·h)/(MJ·mm), which belongs to high erodibility, and the erodibility K value of the C layer is significantly higher than that of the A and B layers; 3) The results of correlation analysis showed that the soil erodibility K value was significantly positively correlated with soil bulk density and clay content, and was significantly negatively correlated with the total number of soil pores and organic matter. Structural equation modeling showed that the soil bulk density and clay content had a significant direct positive effect on the K value of erodibility, and organic matter had a highly significant direct negative effect on the K value of erodibility. The head of the gully is clearly stratified by soil formation and has significant differences in soil physicochemical properties, with a high risk of erosion in the C layer. Organic matter content is the key factor affecting the K value of erodibility. Conclusion This study can provide a scientific basis for managing erosion gully and revealing the soil erosion mechanism in the typical black soil region.
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