Abstract:To investigate the evolution pattern and drivers of soil erosion in the Qingyi River watershed of Anhui Province, the InVEST model was used to investigate the soil erosion characteristics of the watershed from 2000 to 2018, quantify the soil erosion conditions under different land use types, elevations, and slopes, and analyze the factors influencing soil erosion in the watershed with the help of a geographic probe. The results showed that:(1) The average soil erosion modulus in the watershed was 15.29, 14.14, and 10.74 t/(hm2·a) in 2000, 2010, and 2018, respectively, and the total erosion was 1.08×107, 1.00×107, and 0.76×107 t, respectively, showing a gradually decreasing characteristic. (2) Soil erosion in the watershed varied significantly in space, showing a distribution pattern of low in the north and high in the south. (3) The size of soil erosion modulus of different land use types showed that bare land>grassland>forestland>cultivated land>construction land>water bodies, and the erosion of forest land in the watershed was the largest, accounting for 73.71% of the total erosion. (4) Topographic factors had significant effects on soil erosion in the watershed, and slope was the dominant factor of soil erosion in the Qingyi River watershed. The explanatory power of the interaction between factors on soil erosion was greater than that of single factors, among which the synergistic effect of slope with annual precipitation and land use was the strongest, reaching 22.93% and 22.29%. (5) Soil erosion could be effectively reduced by slowing the slope and increasing grassland and woodland cover in slope areas. The results of the study provide a basis for clarifying the distribution pattern and driving factors of soil erosion in the Qingyi River basin, and can provide a basis for decision making to promote soil and water conservation management and improve ecological benefits in the Qingyi River basin.