【Objective】The technology conditions for preparation of granular activated carbon from agricultural wastes were optimized and the factors influencing the activation were investigated in order to find an efficient way to produce granular activated carbon.【Method】 The effects of raw materials including corn stalk, peanut shell and pine-nut shell, the content of binder and the activation time on the adsorptive performance were analyzed.【Result and conclusion】Under the designed conditions, the factor of raw material had the most significant influence, which was followed by the content of binder and the activation time.The optimum result was achieved when the raw material was corn straw, the activation time was 45 min, and the content of binder was 35%. The maximum adsorptive ability of granular activated carbon has the iodine value of 828.60 mg·g^-1, the methylene cyaine adsorption value of 143.22 mg·g^-1, the surface area value of 604.98 m2·g^-1. The results have certain influences on improving the economic and environmental benefits of granular activated carbon.