Arid Zone Research ›› 2025, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 829-839.doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.05.06

• Land and Water Resources • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Evaluation of water and soil resources carrying capacity based on the DPSIR-Cloud Model coupling: A case study of the irrigation area on the south bank of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia

TU Yike1,2(), HAN Wenguang3, ZHANG Erdong3, LI Hao3, REN Li1, LI Qiongfang1,4()   

  1. 1. College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China
    2. State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China
    3. Inner Mongolia Hetao Irrigation District Water Conservancy Development Center, Bayannur 015001, Inner Mongolia, China
    4. Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Green Development, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China
  • Received:2025-01-14 Revised:2025-03-30 Online:2025-05-15 Published:2025-10-22
  • Contact: LI Qiongfang E-mail:tuyike927@163.com;qfli@hhu.edu.cn

Abstract:

The analysis of water and soil resources carrying capacity (WSRCC) is of significant theoretical and practical importance for the rational development and utilization of resources and promoting their coordinated development. This study focuses on the irrigation area on the south bank of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia, China. Under the DPSIR model framework, a WSRCC evaluation index system was established, comprising five criterion layers: Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response. The WSRCC was comprehensively assessed using the cloud model based on a combination weighting method, and key obstacle factors were identified using an obstacle degree model. The results indicate that: (1) The combination weighting method optimizes the calculation of comprehensive indicator weights, enhancing the scientific accuracy of the evaluation results. (2) In 2023, the WSRCC in the irrigation area remained in a balanced state, reflecting a dynamically coordinated relationship between the water-soil system and socio-economic development. (3) The influence of each subsystem exhibits significant heterogeneity, with the obstacle degree weight of the Driving Force subsystem reaching 33.19%, while that of the Response subsystem is only 4.43%. (4) The water-soil resources matching coefficient is identified as the primary limiting factor. Thus, priority should be given to optimizing indicators within the Driving Force subsystem, while simultaneously improving those in the Pressure, State, and Impact subsystems. The DPSIR-cloud model coupling approach proposed in this study provides a novel methodological framework for WSRCC assessment in arid regions and offers valuable insights for enhancing the sustainable utilization of water and soil resources in the irrigation area on the south bank of the Yellow River.

Key words: water and soil resources carrying capacity, DPSIR model, cloud model, the irrigation area on the south bank of the Yellow River