Major types of models and extension mechanisms of water-saving technologies for farmland in China
**I. Main Technical Types of Farmland Cultivation and Agronomic Water Saving in China**
Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, and with the increasing scarcity of water resources and worsening drought conditions, it has become crucial to address the inefficiencies of traditional irrigation practices. The development of water-saving technologies is now a top priority. Agriculture depends on science and technology, and water-saving agriculture is no exception. The core of this approach lies in farmland management, with technology at its heart. Over the years, various regions in China have transformed traditional water-saving methods, adopted foreign technologies, and developed their own innovations. These efforts have led to the widespread application of ten major types of water-saving technologies.
1. **Land Leveling and Water Conservation Techniques**
Land leveling, drainage improvement, and the construction of water storage facilities like ponds and reservoirs are fundamental to efficient water use. In hilly areas, terraced farming, tree planting, and grass coverage help control runoff and enhance water retention. Field-level water conveyance improvements, such as channel lining and optimized canal designs, have become standard practices in land preparation.
2. **Reduced Tillage and Water Conservation Techniques**
Methods like "plowing on the pines" and "no-tillage" increase water infiltration and reduce loss. Technologies such as no-tillage wheat and rice transplanting are widely promoted for their efficiency in saving both water and fertilizer. These techniques are combined with cost-effective and labor-saving approaches, gaining popularity in recent years.
3. **Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies**
Modern irrigation systems like furrow, drip, sprinkler, and micro-irrigation significantly reduce water usage. Drip irrigation can save over 80% of water, while sprinkler systems save up to 50%. These methods not only conserve water but also improve crop yield, quality, and economic returns. Precision, standardization, and automation are key features of these advanced systems.
4. **Biological and Chemical Water Retention Agents**
A range of organic and inorganic agents have been developed to enhance soil moisture retention. These are used during seed treatment, transplanting, and field preparation to improve root absorption and crop survival rates. Some are applied directly to the soil or foliage, while others work through physiological mechanisms to boost drought resistance.
5. **Mulching and Straw Returning Techniques**
Plastic mulch and straw returning are widely used in China to reduce evaporation and improve soil moisture retention. Mulching has expanded to over 240 million mu, while straw returning has grown from 360 million to 560 million mu since 1990. Techniques include chopping straw, covering fields, and combining straw with plastic film for better results.
6. **Water-Saving Planting Techniques**
In northern arid regions, techniques like point sowing and membrane-covered planting help maximize water use. For example, wheat planted under a film collects rainwater efficiently, improving yield by 30–50%. These methods are critical in preventing spring droughts in dry areas.
7. **Integrated Water and Fertilizer Management**
This technique combines water and nutrient delivery, reducing field operations and improving resource efficiency. By applying fertilizers with irrigation, the utilization rate of both water and nutrients increases by over 10%, enhancing productivity and reducing costs.
8. **Drip Irrigation Under Film**
Developed in Shihezi, Xinjiang, this system integrates mulching and drip irrigation. It delivers water precisely to the root zone, reduces evaporation, and improves soil structure. The system has significantly boosted cotton yields, reduced labor, and increased farmer income. It has transformed traditional farming practices and improved land use efficiency.
9. **Rainwater Harvesting and Impounding Systems**
Used in the Loess Plateau region, this model includes rain collection fields, filters, storage pits, and pipelines. It provides a reliable water source for dry areas, with millions of units already installed across the country.
10. **Drought-Resistant Varieties and Dry Farming Techniques**
Breeding programs have focused on developing drought-resistant crops like corn, wheat, and potatoes. Dry rice cultivation has expanded rapidly, and improved farming techniques support sustainable production in water-scarce regions.
**II. Basis, Principles, and Methods of Water-Saving Technology Promotion**
The selection of water-saving technologies is based on local climatic and soil conditions, along with crop type and economic factors. National agricultural extension centers have mapped water needs and proposed tailored strategies for different regions. The promotion process involves local trials, demonstrations, and farmer training to ensure effectiveness and acceptance.
**III. Main Issues in the Promotion of Water-Saving Technologies**
Despite the potential, challenges remain. Many officials still prioritize infrastructure over agronomy, and funding for technology promotion is insufficient. Additionally, there is a misalignment between state goals and farmers' interests, making adoption difficult.
**IV. Further Accelerating the Promotion of Water-Saving Technologies**
To fully realize the benefits, China must invest more in research, policy, and large-scale implementation. Increasing the effective irrigation area from 800 million to over 1 billion mu will be essential. Strengthening technological support, improving public awareness, and ensuring proper funding will be key to achieving long-term water sustainability in agriculture.
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