Search

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the feasibility of conversion from dryland to paddy field in Jinxian County under the water resources constraint and dryland suitability condition. We constructed a water resources balance model to evaluate irrigation needs and a dryland suitability model that coupled various spatial data layers. Our research showed that under the water resources constraint, the amount of conversion from dryland to paddy field was 26,971.69 ha and the feasible conversion degree of dryland to paddy field was 0.84, while under the dryland suitability condition, it was 23,262.74 ha and 0.72, respectively. According to the principle of maximum constraint, we conclude that the feasible conversion degree of dryland to paddy field was 0.72. This research can provide an objective and scientific basis for carrying out a programme of farmland conversion in counties of China as well as similar areas worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]