A modified compensation model for protecting river ecological base flow based on land production capacity in water-scarce Northwest China: A case study of the Baoji Section of the Weihe River

【Objective】The implementation of ecological compensation for the protection of river ecological base flow often faces challenges due to inconsistent management practices. Variations in land production capacity across large irrigation areas, along with concerns from affected farmers about the fairness of a uniform ecological compensation standard, are key issues. This study aims to address these challenges. 【Method】 Grain yield per unit area was used as a key indicator of land production capacity, which was used to develop a corrected model for ecological compensation standards aimed at protecting river ecological base flow. The model was applied to the Baoji section of the Weihe River basin as a case study to demonstrate the corrected ecological compensation model. 【Result】The key findings are as follows: ① The revised model is rational and feasible based on the analysis. ② The ecological compensation standard for protecting the river’s ecological base flow is 234.64 yuan/mu. ③ A quantitative relationship between grain yield per unit area and the modified ecological compensation standard for affected farmers was established. ④ The advantages and limitations of the modified compensation model are discussed.【Conclusion】This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for refining ecological compensation standards for the protection of river ecological base flows, especially in water-scarce regions of Northwest China.