Background The work of soil and water conservation in China has a long history, but the scientific research and subject development of Chinese soil and water conservation based on modern science has not been carried out until modern times. To study and sort out the literature materials of soil and water conservation in different historical periods plays an significant role in the research of the history of soil and water conservation development in the modern times of China.

Methods This paper refers to the relevant archival materials collected by the Second Historical Archives of China, sorts of the modern times periodicals and magazines included in the Index of National Newspapers which were published by Shanghai Library, and also collects and arranges the relevant historical facts of LING Daoyang. Based on these original historical documents, the authors analyze and study the relationship between LING Daoyang and the development of soil and water conservation in modern times of China.

Results Through the study, it is found that LING Daoyang is an early scholar who paid attention to soil and water conservation in modern times of China. In the theoretical aspect, he held that in order to revitalize the agricultural development, it was necessary to prevent soil erosion, and then LING Daoyang discussed the soil erosion situation at that time and its influencing factors. He concerned about the suffering of the people's livelihood and believed that preventing soil erosion can reduce the flood disasters occurred. With the deeper understanding of the soil erosion problems, he gradually formed the thought of comprehensive management of soil and water conservation with forestry measures as the core. In the practical aspect, he was involved in leading the work of soil and water conservation in the northwest area of China, and participated in surveying the work of soil and water conservation in the northwest area of China. Combining with the management work of the Yellow River Conservancy Commission, he promoted the project design and experimental construction of soil and water conservation. LING Daoyang led the establishment of the China Soil and Water Conservation Association and served as the first chairman of the China Soil and Water Conservation Association, which facilitated the scientific research and propagated the work of soil and water conservation in modern times of China.

Conclusions Based on the analysis and research above the conclusion, we clearly realize that LING Daoyang is one of the most important pioneers of soil and water conservation in modern times of China, and he greatly contributed to the scientific research and practice of soil and water conservation in the modern times of China.