The fragile environment of the Shiyang River basin, subject to low rainfall, can be
easily damaged but it is difficult to restore. Over-expansion of irrigation has produced
negative effects on the water and soil resources in the basin. Excessive diversion in the
upper reaches has caused water shortage in the lower reach region and a deterioration
of ecosystems. Excessive exploitation of groundwater has led to a drop in the groundwater
table, water quality deterioration, vegetation retreat and land desertification.
Adoption of water-saving irrigation techniques and measures can reduce the water loss
in the canal system and improve the water use efficiency in the field. Measures such as
protection of the water resources in the Qilian Mountains, administrative and legal
measures to optimally allocate water resources, maintenance of the balance between
the land and water resources, development of water-saving agriculture, meeting the
environmental water requirement, limiting the expansion of irrigated areas, diverting
water from other rivers, and control of desertification, should be urgently adopted in
this region.