In the heart of Xinjiang, a region known for its arid climate and vast expanses of dryland, a groundbreaking study led by Xuehui Gao from Shihezi University is reshaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Gao, affiliated with the College of Water Conservancy & Architectural Engineering and several key laboratories, has pioneered a multi-objective optimization approach that promises to enhance food production and water use efficiency (WUE) in some of the most challenging agricultural landscapes.
The study, published in the esteemed journal *Agricultural Water Management* (translated from Chinese as “农业水利”), focuses on Ili Prefecture, a region that has long grappled with the dual challenges of water scarcity and low agricultural productivity. By analyzing agricultural data spanning two decades (2000–2020), Gao and his team identified critical spatiotemporal variations in water resources and the pressing needs of dryland agriculture.
One of the most innovative aspects of the research is the introduction of the “Drip Irrigation to the Hills” engineering model. This model is designed to precisely distribute water resources in sloped dryland areas, a significant advancement for regions where traditional irrigation methods often fall short. “This model enables us to effectively convert sloping land into productive arable farmland,” Gao explains. “By doing so, we’ve seen crop yields increase from 0.675×108 kg to 1.0×108 kg, a substantial improvement that addresses both food security and resource sustainability.”
The study employed the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to conduct a multi-objective optimization of the cropping structure. This sophisticated algorithm considered economic benefits, water use efficiency, and energy use efficiency (EUE), providing a comprehensive framework for decision-making. The results were impressive: by adjusting the planting areas of maize, beets, rice, and oil crops, the team achieved a 17% increase in economic benefits, rising from 1.00×1010 CNY to 1.17×1010 CNY. Water use efficiency improved from 1.99 to 2.24, and energy use efficiency saw a modest but significant rise from 0.28 to 0.30. Crop output value grew by 16%, reaching 1.21×1010 CNY, and total crop yields increased by 10%, from 4.78×109 kg to 5.26×109 kg.
The implications of this research extend far beyond Ili Prefecture. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing global issue, the need for sustainable agricultural practices grows ever more urgent. Gao’s work offers a practical solution to address irrigation challenges in sloping arid farmlands, contributing to enhanced food security and the sustainable use of agricultural resources. “This research provides a blueprint for other arid regions to follow,” Gao notes. “By optimizing cropping structures and irrigation strategies, we can achieve significant improvements in both productivity and resource efficiency.”
The study’s findings are particularly relevant for the energy sector, as improved water use efficiency and energy use efficiency can lead to substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact. As the world seeks to balance the demands of food production with the need for sustainable resource management, Gao’s research offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for the future. With the publication of this study in *Agricultural Water Management*, the stage is set for broader adoption and further innovation in the field of sustainable agriculture.