ABSTRACT
By the end of 1980s; in northern China, total groundwater extraction accounts for 690 × 102 m3/a and agricultural groundwater use is about 70% of total groundwater use. Space distribution of groundwater use is quite uneven. North China plain has the greatest groundwater extraction intensity. Time variation of groundwater use is due to variation of precipitation in dry, normal and wet years. Four genetic types of groundwater regime for irrigated farmland have been identified. It is the reason for us to take main recharge source as criteria for regime type identification that main recharge source is the guarantee for sustainable development of groundwater for agriculture. Positive and negative effects of groundwater development are introduced. Recommendations for further rational groundwater development of various parts of northern China are given as conclusions.
