Desorption is one of the significant presentation of erosion of soluble matters in rivers. It has a great influence on the soil erosion and the water environment in river basins. From the view of micro interface process and macro transfer process of soluble matters, the theoretical mode for desorption is introduced. The factors influencing desorption process are summarized, and the effects of main factors on desorption are analysed. Then the numerical models about the transfer of soluble matters in rivers are reviewed. At last the problems and future trend in investigating desorption of soluble matters are proposed.