Virtual water consumption and flow in the development of the vegetable industry in Zhangjiakou City

The concept of virtual water and its applications have enriched the theory of traditional water resources and provided new ideas and methods for ensuring the security of water supply and demand. In this study, Zhangjiakou City was used as the research area and using the virtual water theory, the virtual water consumption and flow pattern during the development of the vegetable industry were analyzed. Results showed that: 1) From 2005 to 2016, the virtual water volume of vegetables in Zhangjiakou showed an overall upward trend, increasing from 402 million to 595 million m³. The spatial distribution of the virtual water volume of vegetables is different. The area above the dam is higher than that below it. 2) More than 90% of the total amount of vegetable virtual water in Zhangjiakou City flows outside the district or even abroad; this proportion is continuously increasing. The virtual water output of vegetables in Zhangjiakou City is mainly concentrated in the Bashang area. The study will be of great significance to Zhangjiakou City with regard to adjusting and optimizing its industrial structure, promoting structural water-saving, and constructing water-saving agriculture.