Abstract: This article utilizes a large quantity of data compiled and extracted from local gazetteers to examine the management of extensive agriculture in North China. The author finds that disrepair of fields and irrigation, a lack of animal power, primitive management styles, low per unit yields and waterlogging were concrete manifestation of the regions extensive agriculture. Due to the practice of extensive agriculture, labor productivity per unit of land, technology, and capital investment were all inadequate. This restricted agricultural output and development of more efficient grain and labor productivity. Thus, using the theory of “involution”to explain North China’s underdevelopment of labor productivity does not fit reality, at least not for the Qing dynasty.