The researchers studied how to grow more maize using less water in dry areas. They tested different amounts of water and plant densities in Xinjiang, China. They found that more plants and water made the maize leaves bigger, but also used more water. The best combination was using 600mm of water and planting 12 plants per square meter, which gave the highest maize yield, water use, and efficiency. They figured out how the leaf size affects the maize yield and water use, and found the best leaf size for growing maize efficiently with less water.