Evaluation on the responses of maize (Zea mays L.) growth, yield and water use efficiency to drip irrigation water under mulch condition in the Hetao irrigation District of China
Mulched-drip irrigation method is an appropriate way to increase water use efficiency in Hetao irrigation District. The highest yield was found at full irrigation and irrigation depth of less than 40%ETc can greatly reduce yield. Actual crop evapotranspiration ranged from 200 to 430 mm and increased with irrigation depth increasing. The highest water use efficiency was found at 60%ETc while irrigation water use efficiency decreased with irrigation depth increasing. Full irrigation is recommend for getting highest yield when water is rich, while a 20–30% water deficit is recommend with the highest water use efficiency and 4–8% yield reduction.