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Regionalization of Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution over China with a Combination of Qualitative and Quantitative Method

Author

Listed:
  • Qiang Fu

    (Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
    College of Tourism, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China)

  • Yunqiang Zhu

    (Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China)

  • Shengli Huang

    (ASRC Research and Technology Solutions, Contractor to the USA Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Sioux Falls, SD 47914, USA)

Abstract

Agricultural nonpoint source pollution has been a serious problem in China; however, currently a lack of basic data and quantitative analysis hinders control and reduction of agricultural nonpoint source pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to explore a regionalization method in the study of nationwide agricultural nonpoint source pollution over China. This paper proposes a method of combining both quantitative calculation and qualitative analysis. Based on agricultural nonpoint source pollution mechanism, we first proposed the natural environment index, which was calculated from relief degree of land surface, thermal humidity index, water resources quantity and precipitation index, and land cover index. Second, we proposed basic agricultural environment index, which was calculated based on the area of cultivated land use and the quality of integrated soil fertility. Third, we simplified the spatial distribution of natural environment and basic agricultural environment with the method of choropleth map classification, thematic map series, and gravity centers curve. Fourth, we conducted a qualitative analysis for both the natural environment and basic agricultural environment by overlaying the classification and existing regionalization maps to reveal the intra-region homogeneity and inter-region heterogeneity with a high reliability. The regionalization method used in this study resulted in a nationwide regional zoning of agricultural nonpoint source pollution over China, and China can be divided into 10 regions, which can be a trustworthy reference for agricultural nonpoint source pollution study and management.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiang Fu & Yunqiang Zhu & Shengli Huang, 2020. "Regionalization of Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution over China with a Combination of Qualitative and Quantitative Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:1:p:405-:d:305174
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yang, Shengtian & Dong, Guotao & Zheng, Donghai & Xiao, Honglin & Gao, Yunfei & Lang, Yang, 2011. "Coupling Xinanjiang model and SWAT to simulate agricultural non-point source pollution in Songtao watershed of Hainan, China," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(20), pages 3701-3717.
    2. Cho, Jaepil & Park, Seungwoo & Im, Sangjun, 2008. "Evaluation of Agricultural Nonpoint Source (AGNPS) model for small watersheds in Korea applying irregular cell delineation," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 95(4), pages 400-408, April.
    3. Liu, M. & Huang, G.H. & Liao, R.F. & Li, Y.P. & Xie, Y.L., 2013. "Fuzzy two-stage non-point source pollution management model for agricultural systems—A case study for the Lake Tai Basin, China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 27-41.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wei Zhou & Fan Zhang & Shihao Cui & Ke-Chiun Chang, 2022. "Is There Always a Negative Causality between Human Health and Environmental Degradation? Current Evidence from Rural China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-13, August.

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