The study looked at how different levels of fertilizer affected the growth and water use efficiency of dryland maize in years with varying amounts of rainfall. Excessive fertilizer can hinder maize growth, especially in dry years, but this can be reduced as the maize grows. Using deep fertilization and slow-release fertilizer can help. In normal rainfall years, applying fertilizer can increase production and improve water use efficiency. However, in years with partial drought or excessive rainfall, the effects of fertilizer may not be as positive. It's important to understand soil moisture before deciding on fertilizer amounts, as water and fertilizer levels impact maize yield in dryland agriculture.