The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the natural rainfall, runoff and sediment yield of sloping cropland during the whole growth period of corn. Field runoff plots and laboratory analysis were used to measure rainfall, runoff and sediment yield at different stages of the corn growth period (seeding stage, jointing stage, tasseling stage, and maturing stage) under 3 tillage practices (cross ridge planting, flat planting, and downslope ridge planting) based on natural rainfall of the study area. The results showed that the rainfall of the study area was 676.71 mm from May to August in 2015. The amount of erosive rainfall was 411.71 mm and accounted for 69.85% of the cumulative erosive rainfall at maturing stage. During the whole growth period of corn, the runoff was significantly influenced by rainfall and corn growth stages. Sediment yield under the cross ridge planting was significantly influenced by rainfall amount and intensity. However, sediment yield under flat planting and downslope ridge planting was significantly influenced by rainfall amount and corn height. The runoff and sediment yield increased with the growing of corn, and sediment yield was significantly influenced by the runoff. The sediment yield under cross ridge and flat planting decreased at first, then increased and finally decreased, while it decreased at first and then increased under downslope ridge planting. At tasseling stage, the runoff amount under cross ridge planting was significant lower than that under downslope ridge planting, while the sediment yield under cross ridge planting was significant lower than those under flat planting and downslope ridge planting. At maturing stage, the runoff and sediment yield under cross ridge planting was significantly lower than those under flat planting and downslope ridge planting. Rainfall was the main factor that influenced runoff and sediment yield of the sloping cropland under the condition of natural rainfall. The sediment yielding time was longer than that of runoff. Soil erosion at the maturing stage was the most serious among all growth stages of corn. The results indicated that cross ridge planting was an effective practice to prevent soil erosion. Therefore, this study would provide the theoretical basis for the soil erosion prevention, and sustainable development of agriculture in the yellow soil area.