Drought stress affects maize growth and yield in dry regions of China. This study looked at how different maize varieties respond to drought by studying their photosynthesis and protective enzyme activity. They found that drought caused changes in photosynthesis, with stomatal limitations under mild and moderate drought, and non-stomatal limitations under severe drought. The plants also showed increased protective enzyme activity to cope with the stress, with the drought-tolerant variety showing greater enzyme activity than the sensitive one. Overall, drought stress significantly reduced photosynthesis in maize seedlings, mainly due to a combination of stomatal and non-stomatal factors.