Implementation and Validation of an Electricity-Driven Water Conservation Method for Plain-Region Irrigation: A Control Method Based on Power-Consumption Feedback

In response to the challenges of water scarcity in agricultural irrigation in plain areas, especially in the context of the urgent need to improve water resource management efficiency, this study introduces an innovative “electricity-driven water conservation” management concept. The core idea is to accurately calculate water usage by analyzing irrigation electricity consumption data and formulate water pricing strategies based on this to effectively control the total irrigation water usage. This approach is of significant importance for promoting agricultural water conservation and enhancing water resource utilization efficiency. To achieve this goal, we propose an “electricity-driven water conservation” control method based on an agricultural irrigation coordination management system. This method is simple to operate, has low labor costs, and provides grassroots managers with transparent water usage information through an intelligent platform, enabling real-time remote control of irrigation facilities. In 2022, this control method was tested in a specific area of Shuyang County, Suqian City, Jiangsu Province, China. The results demonstrated that the annual water-saving rate in the region improved from −1.71% before implementation of the control method to 0.09%, proving the effectiveness of this approach in enhancing irrigation water conservation in plain areas. This study provides valuable insights for promoting the efficient utilization and sustainable development of agricultural water resources.