Abstract: Based on the results from a 19-year location experiment in rainfed experimental areas of northern China, the effects of various kinds of straw return to field on maize yield, economic benefit and water use efficiency were studied. There were 4 treatments, no straw returning (CK), straw mulching(SM), straw crushing(SC), and cattle manure(CM). The results show that compared to the CK, the experiment of returning stalks to field could increase the yield, net benefit and water use efficiency of spring maize significantly, decrease the accumulated water consumption and increase the soil water storage amount. The accumulated yields of the nineteen years are increased by 13.427-24.284 t/ha with increases of 11.57%-20.92%, and the net economic benefits are improved by 12831-18171 Yuan/ha. The total corn yield and net economic benefits of the cattle manure treatment are the highest. In different rainfall years, the corn yields and water use efficiencies are very different. In normal years, the corn yields are the highest, while in dry years, the water use efficiencies of spring maize are highest. The yield increasing effect from the straw mulching is significant. In rainy and wet years, water conservation should be paid more attentions.