In the light of the development of agricultural research, especially soil science, at the current stage of China’s development, the related research achievements on low-yield fields at home and abroad are summarized. The definition, status, negative effects, causes and main limitations of low-yield fields are systematically analyzed. The increasing grain production potential is preliminarily estimated from the improvement of low-yield fields. The “low-yield fields” can be defined as those in which existing limitations cause poor crop growth and thus have 30% lower yields than fields with local high-yields. They have large annual variations in yield under normal tillage cultivation management. The low-yield fields in China are characterized by having large areas, more types of low-yield fields, a relatively concentrated distribution and more apparent yield limitations. The main limitations in low-yield fields include low organic matter and low and unbalanced nutrient concentrations, soil acidification, soil salinization, desertification, soil hardening, soil gleyization, erosion, and severe drought. Finally, further research topics and suggestions, based upon different policies and strategies to support the reclamation of low-yield fields, are proposed.