| The field experiment was conducted in the sub-humid region in Shouyang, Shanxi province to detect the effect of fertilizer application and rainfall distribution on yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize. The 10-year results indicated that balanced fertilization helped to improve WUE of maize. Compared to no fertilizer application, fertilization practices increased WUE by 2.25 times. The yield and WUE of maize were depended on soil moisture at seeding stage and rainfall distribution during growth period. In drought years, yield increase from balanced fertilizer was affected by the coordination supply of soil water and nutrients, and the response of yield increase to fertilization was limited by the soil water deficiency. Moreover, the drought resistance of maize could be improved through some practices such as balanced fertilization and water conserving measures. In rainy and normal years, fertilizer brought more yield increase and water conservation should be paid more attentions. |