Model of water-saving farming system in Manas River Valley in Xinjiang Region of China

Developing water-saving farming system is an effective way of ensuring the water resources security in the arid inland area. Taking Manas River Valley as study case, and combining data collection with field investigation and theoretical analysis method, the paper analyzed mainly the special natural conditions, the development situation of agricultural water and existing problem in the region, and proposed ideas for developing water-saving farming system as well. According to the topography and landform character and the water resources in this region, the study set forth seven kinds of water-saving farming system being suitable for different type regions, namely dry farming and grazing model in low hilly area, heirloom fruits and vegetables planting model in the upper and middle part of alluvial dilurial fan, the model of forage planting by saline water irrigation in the alluvial fan edge, the rice-cotton rotation model in spring overflow area, cotton planting model in the alluvial plain, multiple cropping model with sequential cropping and relay intercropping in dry delta part, and the farming model of the efficient agroforestry ecosystems in the ancient lakeside plain. Results provide scientific basis for promoting development of water-saving farming system and the optimal allocation of water resources in arid area of Xinjiang Region of China.