Scientists unveil new strategies to balance farming and ecological protection in Northeast China

As China’s most important grain-producing region, Northeast China plays a vital role in safeguarding national food security. Yet this agricultural powerhouse faces a growing dilemma: how to maintain high crop yields while protecting the fragile ecosystems that sustain long-term productivity. A new study published in Agricultural Ecology and Environment identifies the key conflicts between agricultural expansion and ecological protection in the region and proposes integrated strategies to achieve a more sustainable balance.

Over the past four decades, Northeast China’s farmlands have nearly doubled in area, while wetlands have shrunk by more than 25 percent. The large-scale conversion of natural wetlands into farmland, combined with intensive irrigation, has led to declining river flows, falling groundwater levels, and the fragmentation of vital habitats for fish and migratory birds such as the red-crowned crane.

“Rapid agricultural development has brought great benefits but also serious ecological challenges,” said Huan Liu, corresponding author from the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research. “Our goal was to identify practical ways to coordinate food production with ecological conservation.”

The research team combined satellite data, field monitoring, and advanced hydrological and hydrodynamic models to analyze changes across major river basins, including the Songhua and Liaohe Rivers. Their results revealed how excessive irrigation and drainage infrastructure have disrupted natural water cycles, altering flood patterns and cutting off connections between wetlands.

To address these challenges, the study outlines several key strategies. One is the creation of a wetland compensation mechanism that requires ecological restoration when natural wetlands are converted for agriculture. Another is establishing clear limits for agricultural water consumption to prevent groundwater depletion. The researchers also recommend developing long-term ecological water replenishment systems for wetlands and optimizing the spatial distribution of farmland and wetlands to maintain ecological balance.

In one case study, the team found that diverting water from nearby rivers helped restore 400 square kilometers of the Zhalong Wetland, one of China’s most important crane habitats. By carefully timing seasonal water releases, the project improved both water quality and habitat conditions for wildlife.

The study further identifies priority wetland areas that should be protected or restored to strengthen ecological connectivity across the region. These zones, concentrated around the Songnen and Sanjiang Plains, are essential stopover sites for migratory birds.

“Our findings show that agricultural and ecological goals can be aligned through science-based management,” said co-author Qin Yang. “With proper planning and water allocation, we can support both food security and biodiversity.”

The authors note that these approaches could guide similar efforts in other regions facing conflicts between agricultural intensification and ecosystem protection.

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Journal Reference: Hu P, Yang Z, Liu H, Yang Q, Wang X, et al. 2025. Core tensions and integrated strategies for balancing agricultural development and ecological protection in Northeast China. Agricultural Ecology and Environment 1: e008  

https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/aee-0025-0008  

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About Agricultural Ecology and Environment: 

Agricultural Ecology and Environment is a multidisciplinary platform for communicating advances in fundamental and applied research on the agroecological environment, focusing on the interactions between agroecosystems and the environment. It is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the complex interactions between agricultural practices and ecological systems. The journal aims to provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge forum for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse fields such as agronomy, ecology, environmental science, soil science, and sustainable development. 

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