Effect of Limited Water Supply on Crop Growth of Spring Maize (<i>Zea Mays</i>)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of limited water supply on plant height, leaf area, dry matter and net assimilation rate (NAR) of spring maize. The results indicated that limited water supply had little effect on plant height of maize at six-leaf, twelve-leaf, heading and early grain filling except the end of filling. Leaf growth and leaf area expansion were effectively increased at middle and late maize growth stages under limited water supply and the maximum leaf area was maintained at early grain filling to middle filling. In addition, dry matter accumulation of maize in reproductive organs may be promoted by limited water supply. Finally, limited water supply also had great effect on net assimilation rate of maize and the maximum was maintained at six-leaf to twelve-leaf, followed by heading to silking.