Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation can obtain a higher internal NUE.
Moderate AWD with a normal N rate can increase grain yield, WUE and NUE.
Improved root growth in moderate AWD contributes to a higher yield, WUE and NUE.
Rewatering effects in AWD irrigation benefit root and shoot growth.
An increase in N rate can reduce the yield loss in severe AWD irrigation.