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Assessing potential water savings in agriculture on the Hai Basin plain, China

Author

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  • Yan, Nana
  • Wu, Bingfang
  • Perry, Chris
  • Zeng, Hongwei

Abstract

The Hai Basin in China exemplifies problems that are observed in many arid environments: excessive water consumption, depletion of aquifers, and damage to eco-systems. Progressively since the 1970s water resources in Hai Basin have been over-exploited, primarily for irrigation, while the water requirements of other sectors have increased. Water tables are falling and outflows to the sea are sporadic and heavily polluted. Current consumption of water in the basin is estimated to exceed the renewable supply from rainfall by 6.25×109m3yr−1. Traditional approaches—improving irrigation efficiency through structural works and on-farm technologies such as drip and sprinkler—have failed to restore a balance. Researchers have investigated various on-farm techniques to reduce consumption, including mulching, zero tillage, deficit irrigation, revised cropping patterns, and improved cultivars. We project the results of such experiments for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and cotton (Gossypium spp.) to basin scale to assess their potential in restoring sustainable water consumption. Widespread adoption of mulching, which is the most promising option for farmers, would reduce the over-consumption by 25% (1.6×109m3yr−1). If water quotas are introduced, forcing a reduction in consumption, current production could be maintained while saving 4.1×109m3yr−1. Ending the remaining over-consumption of 2.15×109m3yr−1 would require reducing grain production by 4–7.8Mtyr−1.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan, Nana & Wu, Bingfang & Perry, Chris & Zeng, Hongwei, 2015. "Assessing potential water savings in agriculture on the Hai Basin plain, China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 11-19.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:154:y:2015:i:c:p:11-19
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2015.02.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yan, Nana & Wu, Bingfang, 2014. "Integrated spatial–temporal analysis of crop water productivity of winter wheat in Hai Basin," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 24-33.
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    2. Jovanovic, N. & Pereira, L.S. & Paredes, P. & Pôças, I. & Cantore, V. & Todorovic, M., 2020. "A review of strategies, methods and technologies to reduce non-beneficial consumptive water use on farms considering the FAO56 methods," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    3. Zhang, Dongmei & Guo, Ping, 2016. "Integrated agriculture water management optimization model for water saving potential analysis," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 5-19.
    4. von Gnechten, Rachel & Uhlenbrook, Stefan & van der Bliek, Julie & Yu, Winston, 2021. "PCan water productivity improvements save us from global water scarcity?. Report of the workshop organized by the WASAG (Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture) Working Group on Sustainable," Conference Proceedings h050554, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Wu, Bingfang & Ma, Zonghan & Boken, Vijendra K. & Zeng, Hongwei & Shang, Jiali & Igor, Savin & Wang, Jinxia & Yan, Nana, 2022. "Regional differences in the performance of drought mitigation measures in 12 major wheat-growing regions of the world," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 273(C).

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