Effects of water-saving irrigation planning on the underground water in the low area of Yellow River, China

Abstract

Abstract The Yellow River Delta is considered one of the most water-stressed regions in China as the competition for water between various industrial sectors and agriculture is increasing. Since 2007, the regional governments have taken a leading role in agricultural water-saving planning by upgrading irrigation systems and constructing water-saving facilities. In this study, the effects of water-saving irrigation strategies on the groundwater table and quality were investigated in the Yellow River basin during the last two decades. The average phreatic water level of bore-wells was monitored as 13.47 m during 2011–2020 compared to the level of 12.09 m during 2011–2020. Besides, the depth of the deep confined aquifer dropped dramatically during 2001–2013 with a declining rate of 2.55 meters per annum (m/a) compared to the value of 0.385 m/a after 2014, suggesting the reduced exploitation of deep groundwater and increased availability of groundwater after the water-saving campaign. In addition, the physicochemical parameters of both phreatic water and deep confined aquifer indicated improved water quality. Consequently, understanding how the water-saving planning influences the groundwater availability is important, which would provide an insightful guidance for the water managers to protect the groundwater environment in the Yellow River Delta.