[Objective] China’s soil erosion management has shifted from “comprehensive management, key management” to a new stage of “systematic management, overcome difficulties and challenges”. The concept and criterias of systematic management with mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasses and sands， and its relationship with soil and water conservation were analyzed, to provide references for enriching the theoretical system of soil and water conservation in the new period. Therefore, to lead high-quality development of soil and water conservation. [Methods] On the basis of long-term theoretical exploration and practical verification, the development process of the concept of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasses and sands systematic management has been organised, and its connotation, objectives, and practical guidelines have been elaborated. [Results] A comprehensive management technology route with small watersheds as a unit, formed by summarising and improving the long-term practice of soil and water loss management, is the simplest practical embodiment of the systematic thought of the life community in mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasses, and sands. The systematicness of the integrated management of small watersheds is mainly reflected by six aspects: systematic coordination of governance objects, systematic integration of the overall layout, systematic coordination of governance measures, multi-benefit balance of governance effectiveness, multi-sectoral synergy of implementation and management, and multi-agent participation in shared governance. Specific initiatives based on the concept of systematic governance that need to be followed for the high-quality development of soil and water conservation include: using systematic thinking to understand the connotation and requirements for the high-quality development of soil and water conservation; accurately diagnosing the controlling elements of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasses and sands systems; constructing a multi-level, all-round, three-dimensional prevention and control system for mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasses, and sands; and constructing a complete soil and water conservation management and technical guarantee system. [Conclusion] During the new period, the concept of systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasses, and sands should be completely and accurately understood and fully implemented, and new paths, modes, and mechanisms should be evaluated to enhance the level of academic research on soil and water conservation and effectiveness of governance as a whole. Simultaneously, comprehensive and systematic planning and management of farmland, water conservancy, animal husbandry, forestry, production, and construction activities should be conducted in combination with regional specific conditions to promote the high-quality development of soil and water conservation.