Assessment of climate change effects on the blue and green water consumption of winter wheat in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai farming region

Climate change effects on consumptive water use (CWU) and its blue and green water components of winter wheat during 1980-2015 were analysed, using data sets from 145 meteorological stations in the Huang-Huai-Hai (HHH) farming region. The results showed that 61% of CWU came from blue water consumption (CWUb), and 39% from green water consumption (CWUg). The proportion of CWUb was distinguished significantly among sub-regions, with the highest of 73% in sub-region 2.3, and the lowest of 47% in sub-region 2.5. From the 1980s to 2010s, CWU, CWUb and CWUg decreased by about 5%. Meanwhile, precipitation and temperature in most regions increased, while other meteorological indicators were lower. As a result, the temporal and spatial distribution of CWU and its components has changed in the whole area and seven sub-regions over the decades, leading to a shift of their centroids. Path analysis indicated that the decrease in solar radiation and wind speed resulted in the reduction of CWU of winter wheat. Precipitation and relative humidity were the main factors for CWUb variation, and precipitation for CWUg variation. This study provides valuable information for optimal irrigation strategy and sustainable water management adapted to future climate change for winter wheat production in the HHH farming region.