Optimizing the spatial distribution of agricultural industry in

This paper assessed the spatial distribution of agricultural production using geographic information systems. The results show that the per capita virtual water consumption in Northern Ningxia counties was higher than that in the South. Per capita virtual water in relatively developed region in Ningxia was higher than that of underdeveloped region. In addition, the Northern plain is the center of grain production. Agricultural production was more dominant in Northern Ningxia than in South Central. Specifically, the dominance of agricultural production in Lingwu, Yongning, Helan, Pingluo, Hongsibu, Yanchi, Yuanzhou, Xiji, Pengyang, Shapotou, Zhongning and Haiyuan was reasonable. However, the dominance of agricultural production in Yinchuan, Shizuishan, Litong, Tongxin might not be sustainable due water shortage. There is still room for agricultural production in Qingtongxia and Jingyuan. Consequently, the counties of water shortage should exploit further regional agricultural resources. Some counties of relatively rich water resources should continue to take full advantage of regional soil and water resources and develop modern agriculture to serve water shortages counties to implement virtual water strategy.