Deficit irrigation can help maize crops grow better in dry areas. By giving the right amount of water at different stages of growth, farmers can increase yield and use water more efficiently. In a study in China, maize plants that got 80% of the usual water between certain growth stages produced more grain than those with full water all the time. In 2013, when the weather was good, maize plants used water more efficiently and yielded more grain with less water. This shows that regulated deficit irrigation can be a good strategy for farmers facing water shortages during the growing season.