Modern agriculture with increased crop yields significantly affects groundwater levels in the following ways:

1. High Water Demand: Modern high-yield crops often require more water. To meet this demand, farmers frequently rely on groundwater for irrigation.

2. Over-extraction: Intensive farming practices lead to excessive groundwater extraction, depleting aquifers faster than they can naturally recharge.

3. Inefficient Irrigation: Traditional irrigation methods like flood irrigation are often used, leading to substantial water wastage and further depletion of groundwater.

4. Monocropping: Growing the same high-yield crops repeatedly can exacerbate water usage since these crops might have high and specific water needs, increasing strain on groundwater supplies.

5. Reduced Recharge: Agricultural practices can compact soil, reducing its ability to absorb water and recharge groundwater reserves.

6. Chemical Runoff: Increased use of fertilizers and pesticides can contaminate groundwater, reducing its quality and making it less suitable for drinking and irrigation.

7. Climate Impact: Climate change, influenced by agricultural practices, can alter precipitation patterns, reducing the natural replenishment of groundwater.

To maintain groundwater levels, it’s crucial to adopt sustainable practices like efficient irrigation, crop rotation, and soil conservation techniques.