Spatiotemporal Evaluation of Soil Water Resources and Coupling of Crop Water Demand Under Dryland Conditions

Yaoyu Li, Kaixuan Li, Xifeng Liu, Zhimin Zhang, Zihao Gao, Qiang Wang, Guofang Wang and Wuping Zhang ()
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Yaoyu Li: College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
Kaixuan Li: College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
Xifeng Liu: College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
Zhimin Zhang: College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
Zihao Gao: College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
Qiang Wang: College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
Guofang Wang: College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
Wuping Zhang: College of Software, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-23

Abstract: Efficient water management is critical for sustainable dryland agriculture, especially under increasing water scarcity and climate variability. Shanxi Province, a typical dryland region in northern China characterized by pronounced climatic variability and limited soil water availability, faces severe challenges due to uneven precipitation and restricted water resources. This study aimed to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil water resources and their coupling with crop water demand under different hydrological year types. Using daily meteorological data from 27 stations (1963–2023), we identified dry, normal, and wet years through frequency analysis. Soil water resources were assessed under rainfed conditions, and water deficits of major crops—including millet, soybean, sorghum, winter wheat, maize, and potato—were quantified during key reproductive stages. Results showed a statistically significant declining trend in seasonal precipitation during both summer and winter cropping periods ( p < 0.05), which corresponds with the observed intensification of crop water stress over recent decades. Notably, more than 86% of daily rainfall events were less than 5 mm, indicating low effective rainfall. Soil water availability closely followed precipitation distribution, with higher values in the south and west. Crop-specific analysis revealed that winter wheat and sorghum had the largest water deficits in dry years, necessitating timely supplemental irrigation. Even in wet years, water regulation strategies were required to improve water use efficiency and mitigate future drought risks. This study provides a practical framework for soil water–crop demand assessment and supports precision irrigation planning in dryland farming. The findings contribute to improving agricultural water use efficiency in semi-arid regions and offer valuable insights for adapting to climate-induced water challenges.

Keywords: dry farming; irrigation water demand; precipitation resources; soil water resources; agricultural water management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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