Table 10 Typological characteristics comparison of IDCL
Irrigation Type | Case | Natural Environment | Irrigated Area | Unit Composition | Degree of Human Intervention | Spatial Characteristics | Governance Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surface water irrigation | Songgu IDCL | River valley | small- to medium-sized | Multiple Parallel Units | Moderate: Channel excavation | Hierarchical linear canal network (main canal–branch canal–minor canal) | Multi-level: government, local, community |
Dujiangyan | Large river basin | Large | Single Unit | Low: Adaptive diversion without weirs | Hierarchical linear canal network relying on natural riverbed | Composite governance: government and local | |
Hani terraces | Mountainous and hilly | Small | Multiple Dispersed Units | High: Embankment construction, terracing | Hierarchical terraced canal network | Family or clan-based autonomy | |
Groundwater irrigation | Karez | Arid region | small- to medium-sized | Multiple Dispersed Units | High: Wells and tunnels | Point–line network of vertical wells and sloping tunnels | Religious or community autonomy |
Composite irrigation | Jiangnan Jitang | Coastal plain | small- to medium-sized | Multiple Networked Units | High: Embankments and pond construction | Networked pond–field system | Community self-governance |
