The Loess Plateau is well known for its deep loess deposits and serious soil erosion. The region covers five provinces and 0.62 million km²; 45% of the area is eroded and there is an average soil loss of 3720 tonnes/km²/year. Since 1985, the comprehensive reclamation of the Loess Plateau has been listed as a key science and technology project in China. Eleven small catchments have been selected as experimental and demonstration areas for ecosystem rehabilitation in different regions of the plateau. After 15 years, each of the 11 catchments has formed a good model for local areas. A set of technologies to control land degradation has been developed. The average yield of farmland has increased by 100–300%, the area under crops has decreased by 30–70%, perennial vegetation cover has increased by 70–150% and soil erosion has decreased by 60–80%. The economic structure of the region has undergone major changes, with income from grain down from 80% to 30%. Other sources indicate that farmers’ incomes are 5–10 times greater than previous levels.

The key task in the region is to improve land use. In the loess hill region, cultivated land occupies more than 40% of the total area, most of which is on steep slopes (more than 15°) and about 20–30% of which is on slopes of more than 25°. Only 12% of the region is forested, and only half of that forested area effectively controls soil erosion. Only 30.5% is grassland, of which almost 69% has deteriorated from overgrazing. Land use should consist of flat area cropping for subsistence; forestry in gullies to protect the local ecology; and fruit growing and animal husbandry on sloping land for income.

Results from the 11 trial areas indicate that small catchments can be ecologically rehabilitated, but that they must pass through three stages — restoration, stabilisation and sustainable development — taking 15–20 years. The prospects for the Loess Plateau are bright, but there is a long way to go.