Comparative analysis of non-irrigated and irrigated maize stands in Nyírbátor, Hungary (2026)

Abstract

This study evaluated the physiological, morphological, and agronomic performance of maize under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions in Nyírbátor, Hungary, during the 2025 growing season. The findings revealed that irrigation significantly enhanced plant growth, pigment concentration, and photosynthetic efficiency compared to rainfed conditions. Irrigated maize maintained near-optimal photosystem II efficiency and produced greater biomass, leaf area, and plant height. In contrast, drought stress in non-irrigated maize led to reduced carbon assimilation, photoinhibition, and pigment degradation, particularly during periods of high temperature and low precipitation. Meteorological variations, including June drought and July heatwaves, had a direct negative impact on maize development, while August rainfall supported partial recovery. Overall, the study demonstrates that irrigation is a critical climate adaptation strategy for sustaining maize productivity and stability in increasingly variable environmental conditions.