[Objective] This paper analyzed the research status of soil-retaining dam aimed to provide a reference for future research on this topic.[Methods] Based on the network database of journal papers and bibliometric analysis, the research works in the past 16 years were analyzed and reviewed in terms of area, methods and deposition mechanism.[Results] The total number of research papers was in a fluctuated decrease trend in the past 16 years. Some arguments as the assessment of sediment retention function and dam heightening and other dispute topics still existed.[Conclusion] Soil-retaining dam was the key initiative in the watershed management of the Loess Plateau and years of practice have been proved significant on soil and water conservation. Scholars need to expand soil-retaining dam studies and multidisciplinary cooperation is necessary for improving theoretical level.