本专著提出了“试验侵蚀学”（Experimental Erosion）理论体系，并通过大量研究实例，丰富和完善了试验侵蚀学的相关理论。目前国内外尚没有出版与本书同样题材的论著。全书分两部分，第一部分介绍了水土保持试验的基本理论和模拟观测方法，其中作者提出的水土保持半比尺模型试验的实现方法、三维地貌的观测装置和方法、用于建立室内水土保持模型的装置、用于沟坡重力侵蚀现场试验的观测装置与方法等拥有自主的知识产权。第二部分是基于上述仪器和方法，对小流域和沟坡的土壤流失现象及其治理方法进行试验研究。首先，将黄土高原典型小流域坡、沟系统按半比尺模型试验方法缩小成一个小流域模型，通过降雨模拟来研究其水土流失规律性。

1 Introduction
References
Part I Theories and Methods for Soil Conservation Experiments
2 Similarity of Model Experiments
2.1 Development of the Experimental Erosion
2.2 Purpose and Significance
2.3 Similarity Requirements
2.4 Experimental Methods and Materials
2.4.1 Data for the Prototype Watershed
2.4.2 Landscape Simulator
2.4.3 Performance of the Landscape Simulator and Data Collection
2.4.4 Executive Process
2.5 Results and Discussion
2.5.1 Counteraction of the Soil Loss Error Caused by Different Rainfall Intensity
2.5.2 Calculation of Soil Loss Scale Number and Relative Ratio
2.5.3 Validation of Soil Loss Scale Number
2.5.4 Qualitative Analysis of Erosion Depth
2.6 Conclusions
References
3 A Conventional Experimental Technique: Rainfall Simulation
3.1 Methods for Simulating the Rainfall
3.2 Rainfall Simulators with Thread Droppers or Needle Droppers
3.3 Rainfall Simulators with Spouts or Sprayers
3.4 Automated Rainfall-Simulation Hall
3.5 Conclusions
References
4 An Innovative Measurement Instrument: Topography Meter
4.1 Quantitative Monitoring of Gravity Erosion
4.2 Experimental Setup and Methods
4.3 Data Processing
4.3.1 Method to Calculate Gravity Erosion and Hydraulic Erosion
4.3.2 Method to Measure Slope Volume
4.4 Results and Discussion
4.4.1 Calibration Test for Measurement of the Slope Volume and Coordinates
4.4.2 Case Study for an Individual Failure
4.4.3 Case Study for the Total Amount of Erosion
4.4.4 Limitations and Future Developments
4.5 Conclusions
References
5 How to Conduct an Experiment in the Field: A Portable Laboratory
5.1 Difficulties to Conduct a Rainfall-Simulation Experiment in Situ
5.2 Design of the Measurement System
5.2.1 A Movable Tent for Field Study
5.2.2 Operating Principle of the MX-2010-G Topography Meter
5.2.3 Structure of the MX-2010-G Topography Meter
5.3 Applications in the Landslide Experiments
5.3.1 Results of the Landslide Experiments
5.3.2 Methods to Obtain Relatively Clear Video
5.3.3 Assessment of the MX-2010-G Topography Meter
5.4 Conclusions
References
Part II Soil Conservation Experiments: Case Studies on the Loess Plateau, China
6 A Close Look of the Gravity Erosion on the Loess Plateau of China
6.1 Gravity Erosion: Natural Hazard and Soil Erosion
6.2 Characteristics of the Loess Plateau
6.3 Methods and Materials
6.4 Results and Discussion
6.4.1 Analysis of the Catastrophic Loess Landslides
6.4.2 Soil Erosion Caused by Loess Landslides
6.4.3 Urgent Desires and Effective Measures to Prevent Landslides
6.5 Conclusions
References
7 Effects of Conservation Practices on Soil, Water,and Nutrients
7.1 Effects of Soil Conservation Practices
7.2 Characteristics of the Nanxiaohegou Catchment
7.3 Methods and Materials
7.4 Results and Discussion
7.4.1 Distributions of Water, Soil, Nutrients, and Total Retention Efficiency
7.4.2 Retention Ability and Retention Ratio
7.4.3 Positive Effects of the Conservation Practices
7.4.4 Negative Effects of the Conservation Practices
7.4.5 Role of Check Dam in Reducing Soil and Water Loss
7.4.6 Future Research Scenarios
7.5 Conclusions
References
8 Sediment-Storage Effects of Check-Dam System in the Small Watershed
8.1 Relative Stability and Optimum Programming of Check Dams on the Loess Plateau
8.2 Characteristics of the Yangdaogou Catchment
8.3 Experimental Methods
8.3.1 Runoff Simulation
8.3.2 Rainfall Simulation
8.4 Results and Discussion
8.4.1 Mechanism of the Relative Stability Development
8.4.2 Further Research on the Theory of Relative Stability
8.4.3 Comparison of Sediment Loss and Dam-