Study Uncovers Paradox of Water-saving Technologies in Arid Regions

A recent study published in Agricultural Water Management, reveals an unexpected paradox surrounding water-saving technologies in arid regions. Led by Prof. LI Yan from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, researchers challenge the effectiveness of these technologies in addressing water scarcity in Northwest China's arid oasis region.

From 2000 to 2020, the researchers assessed the water-saving effect at the field and regional scales  using a water accounting framework along with remote sensing and observational data.

Contrary to expectations, the findings show that water-saving technologies , particularly in irrigation, have not alleviated water stress on a regional level. In fact, their promotion has contributed to unsustainable cropland expansion and changes in planting structures, worsening the overall water resource crisis.

"While drip irrigation significantly reduces cropland drainage, it simultaneously prevents groundwater replenishment and hinders the oasis's ability to discharge salts," said ZHAO Nan, first author of the study.

In addition, vegetation in the oasis-desert ecotone was found to suffer from a loss of lateral replenishment from the oasis, contributing to the ongoing degradation of desert vegetation.

These findings underscore the complexity of water saving measures in arid environments and offer valuable lessons for similar regions worldwide. The study warns that over-reliance on such technologies could inadvertently exacerbate water scarcity and ecological degradation.

Article link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2025.109399

Contact

LONG Huaping

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

E-mail: longhp@ms.xjb.ac.cn

Web: http://english.egi.cas.cn