Due to the uneven distribution of precipitation in time and space, the agriculture in most parts of China relies heavily on irrigation. Under the harsh situation of water resources shortage, the efficiency and benefits of water use in agriculture must be improved. China抯 water resources overall planning and research special subject of Research on Water-saving Indicators and Standards for Agricultural Irrigation in China has been evaluated and examined by experts compiling Working Guidelines in July, 2003 and formally ratified by China Ministry of Water Resources in September, 2003.

Major research contents of this project include:

(1) Methodology and model

(2) Data collection and arrangement

(3) Agricultural water use and water-saving indicator system

(4) Net irrigation water amount required by major crops in different areas

(5) Water consumption and irrigation water required by crops without ample irrigation

(6) Utilization efficiency and changing trend of irrigation water use in different areas

(7) Analysis on agricultural water-saving potentials

(8) Development of database of research on water-saving indicators and standards for agricultural irrigation in China

(9) Compilation of technical guidance and training
The research results of this project have not only provided basis for overall planning of national water resources, but also the reference to analyze agricultural water-saving potentials, evaluate the water-saving efficiency of agricultural water-saving projects and determine the investment priority of the projects with broad application prospects.

Database Interface of Water Used for Agricultural Irrigation in China and
Its Water-saving Indicators and Standards


 
Isoline Map of Average Water Amount for Winter Wheat Irrigation
for Successive Years in China