JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Evolution characteristics and influencing factors of water footprint of food crop production in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River during 1989-2018

  • 0Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Physiology/Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation Physiology/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China.
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = the Journal of Applied Ecology +

|

May 17, 2025

|

May 17, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Contact us if these videos are not relevant.

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study analyzed the water footprint of rice, wheat, and maize in the Yangtze River basin from 1989-2018. Total water footprint significantly decreased, with technical advancements being key to reducing water use in grain production.

Area Of Science

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Water Resource Management

Background

  • The Yangtze River basin is crucial for China's food security, producing major grains like rice, wheat, and maize.
  • Understanding the water footprint of these crops is vital for sustainable agricultural practices and water resource management.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To comprehensively analyze the water footprint of rice, wheat, and maize production in six provinces of the Yangtze River basin from 1989 to 2018.
  • To identify key factors influencing crop water footprint and propose strategies for reduction.

Main Methods

  • Analysis of agricultural production and meteorological data from 1989 to 2018.
  • Calculation and comparison of water footprint (total, per unit yield, per unit area) for rice, wheat, and maize.
  • Model analysis to determine the impact of economic, technical, and environmental factors on water footprint.

Main Results

  • Rice had the highest total water footprint (588.6×10^8 m^3), while wheat had the highest water footprint per unit yield (8.8 m^3·kg^-1).
  • The total water footprint of the three crops decreased significantly from 1000.79×10^8 m^3 in 1989 to 281.34×10^8 m^3 in 2018.
  • Blue water was the largest component (50.1%) of the total water footprint, followed by green (39.6%) and gray water (10.3%).
  • Technical effect, economic effect, planting area, and sunshine hours significantly impacted water footprint, with technical effect showing a negative correlation.

Conclusions

  • The water footprint of grain crop production in the Yangtze River basin has shown a significant downward trend.
  • Technological advancements are crucial for reducing water footprint in agriculture.
  • Strategies like water-saving irrigation, improved fertilizer efficiency, and policy formulation are recommended for sustainable water resource management.

Keywords:

Related Experiment Videos

Contact us if these videos are not relevant.

Related Concept Videos