[Objective] The effects of slope planting measures on soil moisture, runoff, and sediment yield in the karst area of Central Guizhou Province were assessed in order to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of soil and water loss on slopes in this area. [Methods] Based on field observation data from 2014 to 2018 in runoff plots of the Yangjichong soil and water conservation monitoring station in Longli County, Guizhou Province, the effects of rainfall and different planting measures on soil moisture, runoff, and sediment yield on slopes in the karst area of Central Guizhou were studied and analyzed by using correlation analysis and significance test. [Results] ① Soil moisture contents for different planting measures followed the order of bayberry > peach > raspberry > poplar > pear > poplar+Mexican cypress > grassland > Mexican cypress > corn (contour tillage). There was a significant positive correlation between soil moisture content and rainfall. ② The annual runoff and sediment yield on slopes were the largest with the poplar planting treatment in the contour tillage (corn) system in a soil and water conservation forest, and the soil and water conservation effects were the worst; soil and water conservation effect was the best for the fruit forest planting systems, among which peach planting was the best. ③ There was a positive correlation between runoff, sediment yield, and average rainfall intensity and maximum 30-minute rainfall intensity (I₃₀). Except for the poplar+Mexican cypress and bayberry planting systems, there was a significant positive correlation between runoff and sediment yield and rainfall under other seven planting systems (p<0.05). [Conclusion] Compared with sloping farmland, the farming systems using fruit-bearing forests, water conservation forests, and ecological restoration of grassland can increase soil moisture content, decrease runoff and sediment yield in different degrees, enhance soil erosion resistance, and effectively reduce soil erosion risk.