Environmental Impacts of Groundwater Exploitation in the North China Plain's Agriculture: Farmers' Perceptions and Remedial Measures: A Case Study in Ningjin County of Shandong Province, P.R. China

摘要

This paper addresses the critical situation of groundwater resource exploitation for agricultural related and environmental effects caused by improper management practices of water use in Ningjin County of the North China Plain (NCP). Agriculture sector consumes 90 percent of the water resources available in this area. Several negative environmental effects such as declining groundwater table levels, contamination of water sources, increased soil salinity, increased irrigation cost, compaction of soil, increased land subsidence and incidence of waterlogging condition have been experienced in the area, as perceived by local farmers. This is due to overpumping of groundwater by a large number of wells clustered in small areas. The study indicates thatif the current pattern of water use, existing attitudes of farmers, and improper implementation of policies, and regulations are continued, then the agricultural activities will face severe consequences and tend to be unsustainable. This warrants for new strategies to improve the present situation. Recommended strategies are to strengthen agricultural planning system and implementation of government policies, laws and regulations and to increase the public awareness of water resources, adopt water-saving agriculture and increase water use efficiency, increase conjunctive use of water, and create opportunities for participating farmers in the development efforts.