『Abstract
　Due to the existence of fragile karst geo-ecological environments, such as environments with extremely poor soil cover, low soil-forming velocity, and fragmentized terrain and physiognomy, as well as inappropriate and intensive land use, soil erosion is a serious problem in Guizhou Province, which is located in the centre of the karst areas of southwestern China; evaluation of soil loss and spatial distribution for conservation planning is urgently needed. This study integrated the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) with a GIS to assess soil loss and identify risk erosion areas in the Maotiao River watershed of Guizhou. Current land use/cover and management practices were evaluated to determine their effects on average annual soil loss and future soil conservation practices were discussed. Data used to generate the RUSLE factors included a Landsat Thematic Mapper image (land cover), digitized topographic and soil maps, and precipitation data. The results of the study compare well with the other studies and local data, and provide useful information for decision makers and planners to take appropriate land management measures in the area. It thus indicates the RUSLE-GIS model is a useful tool for evaluating and mapping soil erosion quantitatively and spatially at a larger watershed scale in Guizhou.

Keywords: Soil erosion; RUSLE; GIS; Guizhou Province; China』

Introduction
　Study area
Materials and methods
　Rainfall erosivity factor (R)
　Soil erodibility factor (K)
　Topographic factor (LS)
　Cover and management practices factor (C)
　Support practice factor (P)
Results and discussion
　Actual annual soil loss
　Potential annual soil loss
　Capability of preventing soil erosion
　Conservation practices for soil erosion
Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References