Water supply and effective utilization of water resources are the fundamental factors of sustainable development of oasis. Oasis water supply modes can be divided into artesian piloting water (APW) and high-lift pumping water (HPW). The APW mode means that low-altitude areas rely on gravity to retain and intercept water, which is the most typical and natural water supply mode for shaping oases. However, the HPW mode uses cascade pumping stations and electric power to transport water to farther high-altitude arid areas. The HPW mode transforms the deserts into oases by changing the direction of water flow, improving local living and production conditions. 

A research team led by Prof. LUO Lihui from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences discussed the impacts of the APW and HPW modes on the sustainability of the Ningxia Oasis in the Yellow River Basin, respectively, and proposed management measures to optimize water resource based on the water-energy-food-ecology nexus. 

This study was published in Agricultural Water Management on Nov. 14. 

According to the researchers, the APW area of Ningxia has convenient water diversion and abundant water resources, but water resources are seriously wasted and water use efficiency is low. 

The HPW area has water transportation difficulties and high costs, so its water management level and drought adaptation strategy are higher than those of the APW areas. 

They suggested that excessive and inefficient water use in agriculture is the most prominent problems in both regions.  

Improving the irrigation coefficient is the most effective way to save water. Adjustment of cropping structure has great water saving potential in the APW region, which is dominated by drought-resistant crops. 

This study can provide a reference for the sustainable management of oases with different supply modes.  

Contact: 

LUO Lihui 

E-mail: luolh@lzb.ac.cn