Abstract: According to the information of literature，this paper traces the historical development of studies on the adoption of the controlled alternate irrigation techniques concerned at home and abroad. The main researches were summarized. Some problems in the implementation of this technique were analized, from the aspects of the growth and development of the parts both under soil surface and above soil surface，the root absorbing properties, the water-physiological status of crop, the advancing rate and intake of water as well as yield and water use efficiency under alternate furrow irrigation, etc. Finally, some problems for further study are discussed according to the practical situation in China.