[Objective] Soil erosion characteristics and prevention countermeasures in the Yellow River basin were studied in order to provide a scientific reference for comprehensive control of soil and water loss and high-quality development of the ecological environment in the region.[Methods] Soil and water loss data of 2020 were used to determine the area

distribution

and characteristics of soil erosion in the ecological protection and high-quality development planning area of the Yellow River basin. Comprehensive prevention and control measures for soil and water loss in this region were subsequently recommended.[Results] Areas of soil erosion accounted for 33.97% of the total land area. Areas of soil and water loss were mainly concentrated in the sandy region of the middle reaches of the Yellow River

the desert steppe sandy region of Tenggeri-north foot of the Yinshan Mountain

the loess hilly region of the Huangshui-Taohe River basin

and the highland grasslands region in the source area of the Yellow River. Sandy land

dry land (with slope greater than 6°)

natural pasture

and other grasslands were the primary locations for soil erosion. Soil erosion presented the characteristics of wide area and large amounts

concentrated distribution

diverse erosion types

and large areas of high erosion intensity.[Conclusion] Soil erosion is still one of the main ecological problems in the ecological protection and high-quality development planning areas of the Yellow River basin. Prevention and control of soil erosion should be combined with the characteristics of regional soil erosion

scientific layout

and various carefully configured measures to promote the green development of soil and water loss control in the planned area.