Spatiotemporal Distribution of Irrigation Water Use Efficiency from the Perspective of Water Footprints in Heilongjiang Province

Water footprints can reflect the sources and utilities of water resources. Introducing footprint theory to evaluate irrigation use efficiency agricultural consumption more scientifically accurately. This study analyzes variation trends blue, green gray grains in different regions Heilongjiang Province selects grain-sowing area, total machinery power, grain blue absolute fertilizer amount as input indexes gross product output indexes. A slacks-based measure–data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) model is used estimate efficiencies 11 cities Province, analyze corresponding spatiotemporal distribution further decompose calculate five economically underdeveloped second-level cities. The results suggest that spatial reflects coexisting areas excess scarcity. showed a steady slow downward trend from 2008 2018. reflected significant differences with pattern high values southwest low northeast; these have gradually narrowed. average was 0.821 Harbin, Qiqihar Jixi were at forefront province. Jiamusi, Hegang, Shuangyashan, Yichun, Mudanjiang are below-provincial-average efficiencies. mainly depends on pure technical efficiency. In future, inputs should be improved basis optimizing production layout, focusing improving research obtained herein provide theoretical for management Province.