[Objective] The change characteristics of soil erosion resistance under different soil and water conservation measures in the red soil area of Southern China were determined in order to provide a theoretical basis for the study of soil erosion resistance and soil erosion control in this region. [Methods] Soil erosion resistance under different treatments and at different depths was studied by field sampling and indoor experimental analysis for bare land (control)

citrus net tillage

citrus + planting grass

and citrus + horizontal terrace in a citrus orchard experimental area in the Jiangxi Eco-technology Garden for Soil and Water Conservation. [Results] In the 0-20 cm soil layer

citrus + planting grass produced the strongest soil erosion resistance

followed by citrus + horizontal terrace

and citrus net tillage. There were no significant differences between these treatments

but bare land was the worst. In the 20-40 cm soil layer

citrus + planting grass and citrus + horizontal terrace had the strongest soil erosion resistance (with no significant difference between these two treatments)

followed by citrus net tillage. The bare land was the worst. For any given treatment

the soil erosion resistance of the 0-20 cm soil layer was significantly greater than the erosion resistance of the 20-40 cm soil layer. [Conclusion] Soil and water conservation measures can significantly improve soil erosion resistance

and soil erosion resistance was greatest under the citrus + planting grass treatment. We suggest using forest and grass together measure to improve vegetation coverage in this region so as to strengthen soil erosion resistance.