Utilization Efficiency Of Water Resources Research Articles

Study on agricultural water resource utilization efficiency under the constraint of carbon emission and water pollution

Agricultural water resource utilization efficiency in China is facing significant challenges due to the dual constraints of carbon emissions and water pollution. The inefficiency in water usage in agriculture not only impacts the sustainability of water resources but also contributes to environmental degradation through increased carbon emissions and water pollution. Agricultural water resource utilization efficiency under the constraint of carbon emission and water pollution has been a critical issue in China from 2005 to 2022. This study employs the Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (QARDL) method to comprehensively assess and analyze the complex relationship that exists between agricultural water usage, carbon emissions, and water pollution. By analyzing distinct quantiles of the data distribution, the research investigates how different levels of water resource utilization efficiency relate to carbon emissions and water pollution under various conditions. The findings reveal nuanced insights into the dynamic interactions among these components within the agricultural sector. This research project focuses on the efficiency of water resource utilization in agriculture while considering the constraints of carbon emission and water pollution. Given the dynamic and time-dependent character of these components, the QARDL methodology makes it possible to get a detailed knowledge of how they interact within the framework of agriculture. The study aims to give significant insights and policy suggestions to improve agricultural practices while minimizing environmental concerns linked to carbon emissions and water pollution.

Multi-Dimensional Collaborative Optimization Model for Agricultural Water Rights Based on Water Price Reform under Changing Environment

Agricultural water rights trading has become an effective means to solve the shortage of agricultural water. However, in the context of uncertainty, the key elements of the water rights trading system and their interactions remain unclear. Therefore, this study constructs a multi-dimensional collaborative optimization model for agricultural water rights based on water price reform under a changing environment. The model quantitatively characterizes the synergistic effects of resource, economic, social, environmental, and ecological objectives on initial water rights allocation and trading. At the same time, the model uses a system dynamics model and intuitionistic fuzzy number to reflect the impact of a changing environment and uncertainty of the management system on water rights allocation and trading. The results show that through water rights trading, the overall coordinated development of farms has been improved, and the economic benefits and water resources utilization efficiency have been improved.

Soil water dynamics and deep percolation in an agricultural experimental area of the North China Plain over the past 50 years: Based on field monitoring and numerical modeling

The unregulated irrigation systems used in the late 20th century have led to increasingly severe deep percolation (DP) in the agricultural irrigation areas of the North China Plain. This has become an important factor limiting the efficient utilization of water resources and sustainable environmental development in these irrigation areas. However, the thick vadose zone is hydrodynamically exceptionally complex. The soil hydrological cycle is constantly changing under the influence of major climate change and human activity, thereby causing changes in DP that are difficult to quantify accurately. Here, the Luancheng Agricultural Irrigation District in North China was selected for a continuous 20-year in situ experiment. Soil-water dynamics were monitored using neutron probes and tensiometers, to determine the complete annual soil-water cycle and the hydrodynamic properties of the thick vadose zone irrigation district. For 1971–2021, DP was simulated using the HYDRUS-1D model and was verified by fitting observed values. Soil water content (SWC) exhibited similar trends in years that differed in terms of the amounts of irrigation and precipitation. The 0–100 cm soil layer was significantly affected by precipitation and other factors, and recharge >60 mm/d caused percolation. DP occurred mostly after irrigation or during the period of intensive precipitation in July–October. The maximum percolation rate was 16.9 mm/d under the present irrigation method. The main factors leading to DP were soil water storage capacity (R2 = 0.86) and precipitation (R2 = 0.54). Under the evolution of irrigation measures in the last 50 years, the average DP has gradually decreased from 574.2 mm (1971–1990) to 435.5 mm (2005–2021). However, a substantial amount of precipitation and irrigation water infiltrated the soil and percolated into the deep soil layer without being utilized by the crop. Therefore, there is an urgent need to consider measures to reduce DP to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture.

Anomalies identification in Smart Water Metering Networks: Fostering improved water efficiency

Smart Water Metering Networks (SWMNs) stand as pivotal infrastructure, crucial for communities and industries. The escalating value of water resources due to climate change and overexploitation underscores the urgency of optimizing these networks for efficiency and resilience. This study focuses on identifying anomalies within SWMNs to address challenges impeding efficient water resource management. Leveraging a comprehensive 72-month dataset from Windhoek, Namibia, this research employs a meticulous analytical approach to unveil diverse anomaly types prevalent within SWMNs. Anomalies, including irregular consumption patterns, leakages, and inaccurate meters, contribute significantly to both apparent and real losses. By scrutinizing this dataset, the study reveals nuanced anomaly patterns like persistent zero consumption and unexpected fluctuations, highlighting the pervasive nature of these issues within the network. The findings not only shed light on these multifaceted anomalies but also lay the groundwork for future advancements in machine learning-based anomaly detection techniques. This research holds promise beyond academia, offering practical implications for water utility management. Identifying and understanding these anomalies serves as a stepping stone toward developing robust detection systems, ultimately fostering heightened efficiency and resilience in water networks. This study serves as a catalyst for strategic improvements, enabling more sustainable and efficient utilization of water resources amidst evolving environmental challenges.

Can the Integration of Water and Fertilizer Promote the Sustainable Development of Rice Production in China?

Rice production is the agricultural activity with the highest energy consumption and carbon emission intensity. Water and fertilizer management constitutes an important part of energy input for rice production and a key factor affecting greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields. Water–fertilizer integration management (AIM) is an automated water and fertilizer management system for large-scale rice production, which can effectively save water and fertilizer resources. At present, the energy utilization and environmental impact of AIM in rice production are not clear. To clarify whether AIM is a water and fertilizer management measure that combines energy conservation and carbon emission reduction, a comparative study between the widely used farmers’ enhanced water and fertilizer management (FEM) in China and AIM was conducted in this paper. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the rice yield, carbon emission, energy utilization, and economic benefits of the two management methods. The results showed that AIM reduced water and fertilizer inputs, energy inputs, and economic costs by 12.18–28.57%, compared to FEM. The energy utilization efficiency, energy profitability, and energy productivity under AIM were improved by 11.30–12.61%. CH4 and N2O emissions and carbon footprint were reduced by 20.79%, 6.51%, and 16.39%, respectively. Compared with FEM, AIM can effectively improve the utilization efficiency of water and fertilizer resources and reduce carbon emissions. This study presents a mechanized water and fertilizer management approach suitable for large-scale rice production systems in China. By analyzing rice yield, resource utilization efficiency, and environmental benefits, AIM can serve as a crucial management strategy for enhancing productivity, economic returns, and environmental conservation within profitable rice production systems. In the future, further investigation into the impact of AIM on the microbial mechanisms underlying rice yield formation and greenhouse gas emissions is warranted.

Response of Runoff Change to Soil and Water Conservation Measures in the Jing River Catchment of China

Soil and water conservation measures (SWCMs) are vital in reducing runoff and ultimately affect water security and regional development. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the impact of a single SWCM, neglecting to distinguish between the effects of different SWCMs on runoff reduction. A Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was established in the Jing River catchment to identify the responses to runoff changes resulting from climate change and human activities. The model was used to quantitatively analyse the impact of different SWCMs on runoff reduction. The results indicated that human activities contributed significantly more to runoff reduction than climate change. The reduction benefits of different unit area changes for each SWCM on discharge, surface runoff and water yield at the outlet were ranked as follows: changing cultivated land to forest land > changing cultivated land to grassland > building terraces on a 5–15° slope > building terraces on a 5–25° slope > building terraces on a 15–25° slope. Regional authorities should comprehensively consider the effects of various SWCMs on water reduction, and optimise the layout of vegetation and terracing measures, to support the efficient utilization of water resources in the Jing River catchment.

Evaluation of Carrying Capacity of Water Resource in the Heihe River Basin Based on Game Theory and Cloud Model

To optimize the allocation of water resources and ensure sustainable water resources management, we evaluated the carrying capacity of water resources in the Heihe River Basin. 16 evaluation indicators were selected from the social, economic, ecological, and water resource systems to construct an evaluation system of the carrying capacity. The combination weight and membership degree were determined using the game theory combined with the weighting method and normal cloud model. The water resource utilization efficiency during 21 years was estimated by analyzing influencing factors and development trends of carrying capacity of water resources. The water use rate was important in the carrying capacity, and indicators such as urbanization rate, per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP), sewage discharge per 10000 yuan, and water consumption per 10000 yuan of industrial output value were important factors affecting the carrying capacity. The carrying capacity of the Heihe River Basin increased from a severe overload status (Level I) in 2000 to a good status (Level V) in 2021. In the other years, the status remained at Level IV. The carrying capacity was improved. The result of TOPSIS confirmed the consistency of the development trend of the carrying capacity and the appropriateness of the developed evaluation model in this study. The model based on the game theory and cloud model can be used to effectively guide the sustainable development of water resources and improve the carrying capacity of water resources of the Heihe River Basin. The results of this study serve as a reference for establishing policies to save water resources and evaluate the carrying capacity of water resources.

Effectiveness evaluation of China's water resource tax reform pilot and path optimization from the perspective of policy field.

The water resource tax reform played an important role in promoting sustainable development in China. Subsequent to the seven-year reform, the effectiveness evaluation of the policy in each pilot area and the exploration of the optimization path directly affected the promotion of water resource tax policy and the improvement of water use efficiency. Therefore, the theoretical framework of the water resource tax policy field was constructed to examine the mechanism of the three subsystems of policy scenario, policy orientation, and policy effect; fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was then used to evaluate and quantitatively compare the policy implementation effect and policy path in each pilot area, with emphasis put on three policy orientations, i.e., the decision and decomposition effect of policy goals, the selection and im plementation effect of policy tools, and the policy supervision and security effect. As shown by the research results: ① the water resource tax reform had effectively improved the efficiency of water resource utilization in the pilot areas; ② three pilot models of water resource tax policy had been extracted, namely the policy goal and tool-driven model centering on a single dimension of the policy field, the implementation-supervision dual drive model emphasizing the supervision and security effect of the policy, and the three-dimensional policy orientation linkage model that focused on the synergistic effect of the policy field; ③ strong heterogeneity existed in water resource tax policy implementation paths and effects in each pilot area. Accordingly, regional heterogeneity could be considered in the process of reform to construct institutionalized, precise, and differentiated reform implementation methods from the perspective of the policy field.

Enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture through mulching practices in dryland agriculture

Dryland agriculture requires the efficient utilization of water resources and the implementation of water-conserving technologies. Mulching is a water conservation practice used in arid land areas to preserve soil moisture, control temperature, and minimize soil evaporation rates. Organic mulching minimizes soil deterioration, enhances organic matter, and boosts the soil’s ability to retain water. Mulching can help keep moisture in the root zone, allowing plants to receive water for extended periods. Mulching with composted yard waste led to higher soil nutrient levels, including phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and organic matter when compared to uncovered soil. Under plastic mulch, soluble nutrients such as nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and fulvic acid are released as organic matter decomposes, enhancing the soil’s nutrient availability. Mulching has several advantages for dryland agriculture, such as reducing soil water loss, soil erosion, weed growth, water droplet kinetic energy, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. This review article aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of ground mulching in water conservation. This is particularly important in arid regions where agricultural sustainability is at risk due to drought, heat stress, and the inefficient use of limited water resources during the cropping season. Ground mulching is essential for minimizing surface evaporation and hence decreasing water loss. This review research thoroughly examines the advantages of organic and synthetic mulches in crop production, as well as their use in the preservation of soil and water resources.

Construction and Research of Water Reuse System in Green Intelligent Buildings

This paper discusses the construction and research of water reuse system in green intelligent buildings to improve the efficiency of water resources utilization and promote the sustainable development of the construction industry, which is of great significance for environmental protection and energy saving. In this paper, the design principles, technical parameters and costs of the water reuse system are considered comprehensively. The social and economic benefits are explored through empirical analysis of water reuse systems in different types of buildings. The COD concentration of treated water in the middle water is reduced to below 50mg/L, and the SS concentration is stabilized between 8 ∼ 10mg/L, which is in line with the standard. The actual scale of water production is significant, with an average daily treatment volume of 2548.8816m3 for the university water project, and 28.4478m3 and 431.625m3 for the residential neighborhood and public building, respectively. The average value of the whole life cycle cost prediction is about 39,767,335,000 yuan, and the payback period is 9 years. This study demonstrates the effectiveness and economic feasibility of the water reuse system for green intelligent buildings, which is important for improving water utilization efficiency and environmental sustainability in the construction industry.

An Evaluation System of the Modernization Level of Irrigation Districts with an Analysis of Obstacle Factors: A Case Study for North China

Irrigation districts are a pivotal infrastructure of agricultural water conservancy engineering. Implementing modernization will be the main task of large-scale irrigation districts for a considerable amount of time in the future. In this study, four typical large-scale irrigation districts in North China were investigated: the Renmin Shengliqu, Weishan, Shijin, and Zuncun irrigation districts. The concept of a modern irrigation district was deconstructed to establish an evaluation index system which includes four second-level indicators, twelve third-level indicators, and thirty fourth-level indicators. A hybrid approach based on AHP and OWA was used to quantify indicator weights used in group decision making. TOPSIS was introduced to measure the modernization level of the four irrigation districts. An obstacle factor diagnosis model was applied to search for key obstacle factors that will affect the modernization and improvement of the irrigation districts. The results showed that (1) the modernization levels of the Renmin Shengliqu, Weishan, Shijin, and Zuncun irrigation districts in 2020 and 2025 were 0.3916 and 0.5755, 0.3748 and 0.5396, 0.4493 and 0.6012, and 0.2343 and 0.6166, respectively. The evaluation results indicate that the four irrigation districts are still in the beginning phase (or even preparation phase) of the modernization process. (2) Eight indicators were identified as the main common obstacle factors for the four evaluated irrigation districts, including the irrigation water-use efficiency factor, the coverage proportion of information technology, the proportion of efficient water conservation irrigation areas, and so on. (3) There are two effective methods to enhance the modernization level of the four irrigation districts: improving water resource utilization efficiency and strengthening the management system with an emphasis on informatization. The present study can enrich the theoretical evaluation of irrigation districts and provide a scientific basis for the modernized construction and management of irrigation districts in China.

Monthly Streamflow Prediction of the Source Region of the Yellow River Based on Long Short-Term Memory Considering Different Lagged Months

Accurate and reliable monthly streamflow prediction plays a crucial role in the scientific allocation and efficient utilization of water resources. In this paper, we proposed a prediction framework that integrates the input variable selection method and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). The input selection methods, including autocorrelation function (ACF), partial autocorrelation function (PACF), and time lag cross-correlation (TLCC), were used to analyze the lagged time between variables. Then, the performance of the LSTM model was compared with three other traditional methods. The framework was used to predict monthly streamflow at the Jimai, Maqu, and Tangnaihai stations in the source area of the Yellow River. The results indicated that grid search and cross-validation can improve the efficiency of determining model parameters. The models incorporating ACF, PACF, and TLCC with lagged time are evidently superior to the models using the current variable as the model inputs. Furthermore, the LSTM model, which considers the lagged time, demonstrated better performance in predicting monthly streamflow. The coefficient of determination (R2) improved by an average of 17.46%, 33.94%, and 15.29% for each station, respectively. The integrated framework shows promise in enhancing the accuracy of monthly streamflow prediction, thereby aiding in strategic decision-making for water resources management.

Research on the joint adjustment model of regional water resource network based on the network flow theory

Abstract This study uses the network flow theory to optimize regional water resource allocation. In order to solve the problem of inefficient utilization of water resources with decentralized decision-making by different administrative units, a regional water resource networking and joint dispatching model with multi-objective nonlinear characteristics based on the network flow theory (hereinafter referred to as the network flow model) is constructed in the study. The network flow model was simulated and applied in the Xin-Sheng area of the Cao'e River, a tributary of the Qiantang River, and the results of the study showed that the network flow model scheduling increased significantly in efficiency compared with the current conventional scheduling, with an increase of 35.24 and 9.91% in the water resource utilization rate in the two typical years of 2019 and 2022, respectively, and showed that 2022, which has less rainfall, has a better effect than 2019. The study concludes that the network flow model can effectively improve the efficiency of water resource utilization, solve the problem of water resource imbalance between cities in the region, and play a positive role in the construction of the national water network.

Assessment of Water Resource Utilization and Analysis of Driving Factors in Zhoushan City Based on Water Footprint Theory and LMDI Model

Accurately analyzing the water system’s status in a region is crucial for mitigating water resource constraints on the development of island areas. This study centers on Zhoushan, an archipelago city, and employs the water footprint theory (WFT) and the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model to scrutinize the evolution of water footprints from 2010 to 2020. It also dissects the impacts of economic, technological, and population factors on these changes. The findings are as follows: From 2010 to 2020, Zhoushan’s total water footprint has remained relatively stable, but its structure is imbalanced, indicating an unhealthy development. The agricultural water footprint dominates, though its proportion has steadily declined from 64% to 28%, while the imported water footprint has significantly increased from 2% to 29%. The skewed distribution of internal and external water consumption contributes to this imbalance, with internal water use accounting for a staggering 86.43%. The ecological security of water resources appears bleak, with average water scarcity and pressure indices reaching 0.42 and 0.41, respectively, indicating an overloaded state of water resources. Despite a 144.50% growth in water footprint efficiency from 2010 to 2020, the average water resource sustainability index merely stands at 0.531, and its sustainability remains precarious. The LMDI model results unveil that technological factors are the primary negative driving factors, contributing to 47.06% of the changes in Zhoushan’s water resource utilization. Conversely, economic and population factors play positive roles, contributing 42.29% and 10.65%, respectively. Therefore, in the course of development, there should be a focus on promoting water-saving tec-nologies, and continuously enhancing the efficiency of water resource utilization. Simultaneously, attention should be given to the development of the tertiary sector and the water resource pressure resulting from the mobile population, aiming to achieve sustainable water resource utilization and further ensure the ecological security of Zhoushan City.

Analysis model of flood spatiotemporal change characteristics based on k-means clustering algorithm

<p>In order to analyze the spatiotemporal change characteristics of regional flood disaster, analyze the main change characteristics and hydrological response of precipitation distribution in Guangxi, and improve the comprehensive utilization efficiency of water resources, this paper introduces the k-means clustering algorithm to design an analysis model of spatiotemporal change characteristics of flood disaster. First of all, obtain the flood data in Guangxi and the observation data of the national meteorological station within 5 km, complete the collection of the basic data of mountain flood disasters. Based on the collected data, an analysis was conducted on the spatial and temporal distribution of flash floods in the Guangxi region. Secondly, the Kriging spatial interpolation method was used to analyze the spatial distribution of precipitation data in Guangxi. The Mann-Kendall trend test was then employed to examine the trend of precipitation-related statistical parameters over time. Additionally, wavelet theory was applied to analyze the time series of annual precipitation and precipitation with different durations in Guangxi. Subsequently, the k-means clustering algorithm was introduced to construct a model for analyzing the spatiotemporal characteristics of flood changes, determining the concentration and duration of precipitation in different years in the region. Finally, analyze the spatiotemporal change characteristics of flood events in different seasons under various indicators, and realize the analysis of flood spatiotemporal change characteristics. The research results indicate that the Frank Copula function fits the best correlation between annual precipitation and temperature, and can better characterize the correlation between the two. The Frank Copula function has the best fitting effect on the correlation between precipitation and temperature in autumn in Guilin, summer in Nanning, and summer and winter in Beihai. In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the annual precipitation shows a gradually decreasing trend, especially at R and P stations. In summary, the Frank Copula function can effectively characterize the correlation and trend of precipitation and temperature in different seasons and regions of Guangxi.</p>

旱作条件下大豆玉米复合种植系统水分利用特征和生产力的比较研究

Quantitative investigation of the utilization characteristics of precipitation resources and the production capacity of the intercropping production system under the soybean maize intercropping mode in northern China is of great significance for improving the resource utilization rate of dryland agriculture and regional sustainable development. This study adopted a completely randomized block design, and six planting modes were set up: soybean monoculture, maize monoculture, and four soybean maize intercropping modes. Plant height and grain yield data were observed, and precipitation resource utilization efficiency was calculated. Based on the FAO-56 recommended crop coefficients, the crop coefficients were corrected according to the actual growth of crops in the experimental area; combined with meteorological data, the crop water demand under different planting modes was estimated based on the Penman-Monteith principle. The results showed that crops' daily growth water demand under different planting modes was generally deficient in water in the early and middle stages of growth, and surplus in the later stages. Compared with the monoculture mode, there were significant differences in precipitation resource utilization efficiency under different intercropping modes (P < 0.05), with soybeans reduced by 67.50% ~ 89.56%, and corn reduced by 43.99% ~ 61.05%. Based on the semi-humid and semi-arid area of the eastern Loess Plateau, an appropriate irrigation system needs to be designated for soybean and corn intercropping systems in the early and middle stages of crop growth. Under a certain proportion of water resource supply, different modes have different water resource utilization efficiency and final production capacity for the intercropping system.

Analysis of runoff variations in an arid catchment based on multi-model ensemble- a case study in the Tarim River Basin in Central Asia

Runoff variation is of significant importance to the current and future water availability of a region, particularly in arid regions, and plays a crucial role in economic and social development. The Tarim River Basin, spanning an area of approximately 102 × 104 km2, is the largest inland river basin in China. Due to the basin’s extremely dry climate, water shortage is the most critical natural factor restricting socio-economic development in the region. This study focuses on analyzing the historical and future runoff changes of the four headstreams (the Kaidu, Aksu, Yarkand, and Hotan rivers) in the Tarim River Basin with historical observations and multiple-model projections. The results indicate that the runoff of the Tarim’s four headstreams showed an increasing trend during 1957–2022, with a remarkable increment of 40.70 × 108 m3, or 18% in percentage. Rising temperatures and precipitation are the main reasons for the runoff’s increase. Higher temperature accelerates the melting of glaciers, leading to enhanced recharge of meltwater, while more precipitation also boosts the increase in river runoff. Based on the modelling results from the extended SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool), the runoff in the Kaidu, Aksu, Yarkand, and Hotan rivers will remain at a high level in the near future (−2035), with an average increase of 3.2%–7.55%. In the mid 21st century (2036–2065), the runoff of the Yarkand and Hotan River originated from the Kunlun and Karakoram mountains is expected to continue increasing by around 6.25%–15.2%. Under SSP126, the tipping point of glacier melt runoff in the basin may happen by 2058, while under SSP370 and SSP585 scenarios, it may be around 2080. The timing of peak water aligns with projections in the mountainous Asia, but is later compared to the tropical Andes, Western Canada, and the Swiss Alps, whose peak water has already been reached. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the allocation and efficient utilization of water resources in the Tarim River Basin and offer valuable insights into the forthcoming runoff changes in mountainous regions.

A Study on the Carrying Capacity of Water Resources Utilizing the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model—Illustrated by a Case from Guantao County

The efficient utilization of water resources is the key to ensuring sustainable development. Due to the complex relationship between resource utilization and economy and the environment, there are positive societal effects from a scientific and precise assessment of the carrying capacity of water supplies. This study aims to investigate the uncertainty associated with the selection of evaluation parameters in assessing the carrying capacity of water resources. To achieve this, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is adopted, and two distinct weighting methods, namely hierarchical analysis and entropy weighting, are applied to analyze the sources of uncertainty in the evaluation results under the framework of the established evaluation indicators. Aiming at the traditional water resources carrying capacity, evaluation indexes are redundant and the correlation is not very close. Thus, the sensitivity analysis method based on the weights of the indexes is proposed to eliminate the indexes that have the greatest impact in order to decrease the uncertainty of the evaluation results. The results indicate that the correlationship coefficient of the comprehensive evaluation results obtained through the two weighting ways is 0.4542, which is not a large correlation, so the uncertainty of the assignment of indicator weights exists. The calculation of the sensitivity index shows that the weights of the three indicators of the utilization ratio of water resources development, water consumption per unit of GDP and per capita water resources are the most sensitive, which are 40.62%, 27.58%, and 23.61%, respectively, and these are the key influencing factors. This demonstrates that improving the accuracy of the primary control indices and the quality control of weight assignment can assist with lowering the error of the carrying capacity assessment of water resources and also point the fuzzy evaluation model in the right direction.

Modeling of summer maize transpiration considering morphogenesis

Plant transpiration research is the foundation for improving the efficiency of agricultural water resource utilization and ensuring food production safety. It is an important content of agricultural production and water resource utilization research. However, spatial heterogeneities of leaf size and positions affect the estimation of transpiration. In this study, summer maize on the North China Plain was taken as the research object. Based on the measured data of the photosynthetic apparatus, morphogenesis and stem flow meter, the transpiration variation rule of summer maize leaves was analyzed, and the spatial distribution model of photosynthetically active radiation based on plant morphogenesis was constructed. Considering the spatial heterogeneities of leaf size and positions, the individual-plant scale transpiration model was upgraded. The reliability of transpiration model at individual plant scale was verified. The results showed that: i) the transpiration rate of leaves with different leaf positions, positive and negative leaves at the same leaf position and different parts of the same leaf were significantly different. ii) Based on the measured data, the structure of summer maize with spatial coordinates was obtained, and a calculation model for solar radiation reaching the top of the plants and a calculation model for photosynthetically active radiation reaching the surface of the leaves were constructed. Based on the different absorption, reflection, and transmission of radiation by summer maize leaves, the photosynthetically active radiation of each part of the leaves was characterized. iii) A plant transpiration model was constructed by combining the leaf panel transpiration model with the spatial distribution model of photosynthetically active radiation in summer maize plants, and, the determination coefficients between the simulated and the measured values of the individual plant scale transpiration rate were all above 0.95, the consistency index was close to 1.0, and the RMSE was in range of 12.41–16.64 g h−1. The individual plant transpiration obtained after simulated accumulation could meet the simulation accuracy. The results achieved the scale improvement of the leaf transpiration to individual plant transpiration.

Retracted: Evaluation of Water Resource Utilization Efficiency in Provincial Areas of China Based on the Unexpected Output SBM Model

Retracted: Evaluation of Water Resource Utilization Efficiency in Provincial Areas of China Based on the Unexpected Output SBM Model