Objective The Pisha sandstone region in the Yellow River Basin experiences intense hillslope erosion. Clarifying how runoff and sediment yield of different vegetation types respond to distinct rainfall patterns is essential for ecological restoration and watershed management.

Methods Taking the Getuodian small watershed as the study area, this study conducted fixed-position observations of runoff and sediment yield from runoff plots representing six vegetation/land use types (Chinese pine forest, natural grassland, planted grassland, shrubland, farmland, and bare land) from 2019 to 2023. A total of 42 erosive rainfall events were classified into four rainfall patterns based on rainfall amount, I₃₀ (maximum 30-min intensity), and duration. The characteristics of runoff and sediment yield of different land use types under different rainfall patterns were analyzed, and structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the effects of precipitation, soil, vegetation biomass, and topographic factors on runoff and sediment yield.

Results 1) From 2019 to 2023, a total of 42 erosive rainfall events were observed and classified into four rainfall patterns: Class I (largest rainfall amount and maximum I₃₀), Class II (shortest rainfall duration and maximum rainfall intensity), Class III (medium rainfall amount, intensity, and duration), and Class IV (longest rainfall duration). Among them, Class I rainfall produced the highest runoff and sediment yield. 2) Runoff and sediment yield differed significantly among different runoff plots (P < 0.01), following the order: bare land > farmland > planted grassland > natural grassland > shrubland > arbor. Across different rainfall patterns, each vegetation type showed significant differences in runoff and sediment yield (P < 0.05). Only the Chinese pine plots showed relatively low runoff and sediment yield under Class I rainfall. 3) Under different rainfall patterns, the factors affecting runoff and sediment yield were different. Rainfall factors were significant in Classes I, III, and IV (P < 0.05); soil factors were significant in Classes II, III, and IV (P < 0.05); and slope factors were significant across all rainfall patterns (P < 0.05).

Conclusions Runoff under Class I rainfall is primarily controlled by rainfall factors (P < 0.001), while runoff under Class II and IV rainfall is mainly controlled by soil factors (P < 0.001). The main driving factor of sediment yield under all rainfall patterns is runoff volume. This study demonstrates how vegetation types and rainfall patterns shape runoff and sediment yield in the Pisha sandstone region and identifies the key driving factors, thereby providing a scientific basis for vegetation restoration and watershed management in the Pisha sandstone region.