Advances in research of reclaimed water irrigation in China

摘要

Food security and an agricultural water shortage are the double crises and challenges facing the sustainable development of agriculture in China. Development and utilization of reclaimed water is an effective way to promote the balance of water supply and demand in agriculture. In the twenty-first century, China has conducted in-depth research on the key technologies and applications of safe and efficient irrigation with reclaimed water. This article summarizes the major results of the research and application of reclaimed water irrigation (RWI) in China from the perspective of risk assessment, system regulation and efficient utilization, including: revealing the environmental behaviour and evaluation method of the characteristic pollutants of RWI, establishing safe and efficient irrigation systems and irrigation technology, and promoting the application model of RWI according to different utilization types. This summary will help understanding of RWI technology and application in China, and guide the practice of reclaimed water utilization in the future.