Dynamic analyses of soil erosion and improved potential combining topography and socio-economic factors on the Loess Plateau

•A reasonable improved potential for soil and water conservation (Po) was proposed.•Steep topography is associated with higher Po values.•The potential associations between socio-economic factors and Po were explored. The assessment of soil erosion control in loess regions is of great practical significance, as the Loess Plateau remains one of the most eroded areas globally. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the gully protection and erosion control project and changes in the improved potential for soil and water conservation (Po) over 8 years using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). Furthermore, this study sought to explore the potential connections between Po and topography and socio-economic factors. The RUSLE results indicated that the erosion in 2020 was 102 t·km−2·a-1 less than that in 2013, but the degree of erosion was higher in 2020. The potential effects of topography and socio-economic factors on Po were examined based on the amount of variation in each village. The results showed that Po decreased in 17 villages and increased in 7 villages, indicating that the direction of soil and water conservation is appropriate in most areas on the Dongzhi tableland. Topography can impose some limitations on Po. Steep topography is associated with higher Po values. According to partial least squares regression (PLSR), this study explored the potential link between socio-economic factors and Po. The results can be used to provide suggestions for gully protection and erosion control in erosion-prone areas in the context of major engineering construction.