Abstract: In order to solve practical production problem of water and soil resources shortage，water regulation and planting patterns of Lycium barbarum in Yellow River irrigation area were explored.A field experiment of two factor randomized block including four water gradients （full irrigation W0，75%～85%；mild deficit W1，65%～75%；moderate deficit W2，55%～65%；severe deficit W3，45%～55%） and two planting patterns （monoculture D and intercropping Alfalfa J） were set to study effects of different irrigations and planting patterns on soil water content，water consumption characteristics，growth，yield and water use efficiency.Results showed that，total water consumption of Lycium barbarum decreased with water deficit increasing，and intercropping increased water consumption，but increased proportion of irrigation utilization.The growth rate of Lycium barbarum was slowed down with aggravation of water deficit，while intercropping Alfalfa inhibited that of Lycium barbarum.The present study also showed that the 100～seed weight of Lycium barbarum dry fruit increased by W1，yield and water use efficiency of Lycium barbarum was the highest under full irrigation W0 and W1.On the other hand，intercropping Alfalfa had insignificant effect on yield and reduced water use efficiency of Lycium barbarum，but comprehensive benefit was improved due to output of Alfalfa.In general，growth and water use efficiency of Lycium barbarum under mild water regulation W1 （65%～75%） showed a better performance.Intercropping would affect growth of Lycium barbarum to a certain extent，but could improve water and soil resources use efficiency.