[Objective] The suitable targets for soil and water loss prevention and control in different provinces and all of China were determined in order to help people of all sectors of society in understanding and applying the concept of soil and water conservation rate (SWCR) and related research

thereby providing a useful reference for facilitating the high quality development of soil and water conservation in the new age. [Methods] Based on the concept and related research results of SWCR as first presented by the Ministry of Water Resources in 2019

the concept of SWCR was expounded and the threshold of SWCR was determined. A grid of 30 m resolution was used as the spatial unit

and the multi-source geospatial data (including classification and grading of soil erosion

land use

topography

vegetation cover

etc.) were used to calculate and analyze the thresholds of SWCR in China and different provinces

and to explain the application of serial targets for SWCR in the liability assessment and implementation of targets for soil and water conservation in China. [Results] The core connotation of concept for SWCR represents the appropriate degree of soil erosion control that conforms to the natural law and meets the requirements of economic and social development. In the future

SWCR will become the multi-dimensional threshold system that includes reducting area and downgrading intensity of soil and water loss

and enhancing function of soil and water conservation. It could be used to comprehensively evaluate the current situation of regional soil and water loss control

and their appropriate degree could be achieved. At present

SWCR mainly reflects the appropriate goal of reducing the area of soil and water loss

which has been employed in the assessment of “Beautiful China Construction”

and which has become the core indicator in Opinions on Strengthening Soil and Water Conservation in the New Age that was printed and distributed by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council. [Conclusion] Based on the social ecosystem paradigm

it is suggested to study the threshold value and assessment methods of the change of soil and water loss in different regions at different levels based on comprehensive consideration of the influence of natural and social factors

the synergy of different local and spillover effects

and the balance of multiple objectives at ecological and economic levels. At the same time

focusing on the relevant requirements of the comprehensive management of the basin system

we should pay attention to the appropriate scale and reasonable layout of the main control measures or key objects

such as terraces

forest and grass

silting dam

slope cropland erosion gullies

etc.