Sustainable development and management of water resources in the Shiyang River of Northwest China

Suggestions are made for cutting the extent of irrigated land use by about 25% in the Shiyang River, based on evidence of environment impacts in the lower reaches. In inland river basins, there is a complex relationship between surface water and groundwater, and significant eco-systems are completely controlled by water resources. Optimal allocation of water resources should be based on ecohydrology. Effects of irrigated agricultural development on distribution and water resource use of the Shiyang Rive are analysed, together with subsequent changes in the local eco- environment. Optimal allocation measures are proposed based on eco-hydrology concepts for integrated basin management. This includes macro-control of oasis development based on estimates of eco-system water demands and optimized water allocation amongst upper, middle and lower reaches, together with use of improved irrigation practices.