Laoling, China's Water-Smart Transformation: Advancing Farmland Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future

Cultivating the Future: Borouge Supports the High-Standard Farmland Pipeline Construction Initiative to Reduce Water Wastage in Laoling, China

Background

Water is a critical resource for agriculture, and its efficient management is essential for sustainable farming practices. High-Standard Farmland Improvement Projects aim to make farmland more productive, sustainable, and resilient to environmental challenges. The concept of high-standard farmland improvement in China was first introduced by the central government and implemented nationwide. This initiative includes:

- Efficient Water-Saving Irrigation: Implementing advanced irrigation techniques to conserve water while maintaining or improving crop production.

- Infrastructure Development: Building and improving infrastructure such as roads, water conservancy systems, and electricity to support agricultural activities.

The Laoling high-standard farmland project, located in the Shandong province of China, enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainability by implementing advanced irrigation and water management systems.

Previously, farmers irrigated the farmland through open tunnels, leading to water waste and reducing the availability of drinking water in the watertight region. This initiative was achieved by:

1)  Replacing the existing open tunnels with a professionally designed HDPE network that supplied farmland.

2)  Coached the farmers, the local community, and project owners on the importance of using durable and reliable PE pre-compound pipes.

Challenges with the Project

To achieve the goals of high-standard farmland and benefit the local population, the Laoling Agricultural and Rural Bureau demands the most reliable and long-lasting materials for the entire system, from raw materials to pipes. Additionally, the project faces a tight schedule, with only a few short months from when the corn matures to the onset of winter. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure the stability and quality of the pipes through reliable raw materials to complete the installation within the project timeline successfully.

Benefits of Borouge’s PE100 Pressure Piping

Borouge’s PE100 pressure piping were selected based on their exceptional mechanical strength for handling harsh environmental conditions and their proven track record in the application of water pipes. The chosen grade ensured that the pipes could withstand the demanding conditions of Shandong province, including temperature fluctuations, soil movements, and corrosion.

The complete project aims to install 800 km of pipelines for farmland irrigation, benefiting 540,000 people in rural areas. Donated PE100 samples were used to create 6 km of pipes for a network serving Laoling City's rural community. The pipe diameters range from DN125mm to DN200mm SDR 26, and DN250mm to DN400mm SDR 21.

This new system was engineered to supply water to the farmland more effectively, reducing water wastage and ensuring a more reliable and consistent irrigation process. The project also included training programs for farmers, the local community, and project owners on the importance of using durable and reliable PE pre-compound pipes.

Summary