Evaluating the Carrying Capacity of Water Resources in the Desert Steppe Irrigation District in Inner Mongolia

Abstract

【Objective】 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the carrying capacity of water resources in the desert steppe irrigation area in Inner Mongolia, in attempts to help optimize water resource while in the meantime sustaining economic and social development in this region. 【Method】 We studied five typical areas including Yaoba Beach, Green Beach, Tonggu Nao'er Beach, Chahar Beach, Xinjing, all in Alxa Zuoqi. For each area, we considered its water resources, ecology and social economy, and established an evaluation index system. The entropy weight-TOPSIS model was used to comprehensively evaluate and calculate the carrying capacity of water resources in each area. 【Result】 In 2018, the water resources carrying capacity of Yaoba, Chahar, Tonggunaoer, Gelin and Xinjing was 0.682, 0.576, 0.213, 0.392, and 0.247, respectively, which was between Grade III and IV. Scenario prediction found that the evaluation index of water resources carrying capacity will peak in 2050 if more farmland is to return forest, combined with slowing down economic growth and reducing irrigated areas. 【Conclusion】 Our results show that the studied areas should consider sustainable development, promoting drip irrigation and other water-saving irrigation technologies, sparing farmlands for forests. Implementing strict water resource management and improving water resources carrying capacity are important to meet the demand for water in these areas.

Keywords

• water resources carrying capacity
• entropy weight-topsis model
• desert oasis
• desert steppe irrigation area in inner mongolia