Water Resources Management for Multi-Source Ecological Restoration Goals in an Oasis: A Case Study of Bohu County Irrigation Area in Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Oases in arid regions consist of river–lake–groundwater systems characterized by complex hydrological cycles and fragile ecosystems. Sustainable water resource management, aimed at multi-source ecological restoration, is crucial for oasis ecological protection and represents a current research challenge. This study focuses on the Bohu irrigation area, using ecological water levels, the MIKE-SHE hydrological model, and the water balance equation to propose a multi-objective groundwater and surface water regulation scheme that meets both the ecological safety requirements of the irrigation area and the ecological water demands of the Small Lake. Key findings include the following: (1) The regional ecological water level ranges from 1.69 m to 4 m, with about 74% of the area exceeding this range, threatening local ecology. (2) The proposed regulation method adjusts 91.25% of areas exceeding the ecological water level to within the acceptable range. (3) Under various planting scenarios, the minimum water distribution from the west branch of the BLSM water diversion hub should be 824.632 × 106 m3/a to meet Small Lake ecological demands. When this volume exceeds 831.902 × 106 m3/a, both groundwater regulation and Small Lake ecological demands are satisfied. This paper quantifies the water cycle mechanisms in complex hydrological interaction areas, providing specific solutions to regional ecological problems, which holds significant practical relevance.