Variation Characteristic Analysis of Regional Agricultural Water Consumption Under Budyko-Type Framework

Currently, the security ensurance of agricultural water consumption is crucial for maintaining food production stability under the impacts of climate change and urbanization. In this study, based on the division of water utilization sectors into agricultural and non-agricultural parts, we derived an optimal water allocation principle under the guidance of Budyko framework. Then, the optimal water allocation principle was applied in Anhui province, China to verify its reliability. Eventually, the differences of water utilization efficiency and structure among different regions were discussed. The research findings of the study are as follows, (1) during 2011-2020, the provincial agricultural productive loss caused by per-unit water shortage was lower compared to non-agricultural sectors, and this trend was also adaptive for southern area but totally opposite in northern area. (2) the overall guaranteed level of fundamental agricultural water consumption from 2011 to 2020 was higher compared to non-agricultural sectors, especially in northern area due to the predominance of agricultural production but totally contrary in southern area because of better vegetation conditions. On the whole, the above findings are consistent with actual features of industrial structure of Anhui province, and will be beneficial for developing water utilization schemes