A field experiment was conducted to determine the application effects of different water-saving irrigation technologies on corn for seed.Soil moisture was measured using TDR and for crop indexes were determined by conventional methods at the same time.Soil moisture variations

and growth and development dynamics

water consumption

yield and economic benefit of the plant were also determined.Total water saving

water use efficiency and yield effect were then calculated for each irrigation method.The results indicated that raised ridge

regulated deficit irrigation

free water storage irrigation techniques demonstrated desirable benefits in water saving and yield increasing.Comparing with the conventional irrigation with plasticmulch

the three new techniques saved 18.29%

5.59%and 14.74%of the total water use;improved yieldby 4.20%

9.02%and 2.01%;increased income by 13.58%

7.33%and 6.24%;and enhanced water useefficiency by 27.11%

15.06%and 19.28%

respectively.These techniques can effectively reduce soil surface evaporation and then water needs

improve water use efficiency

improve economic efficiency but keepsame level of yield at the same time.It is urgent to promote water-saving technology for industry development and regional sustainable development of economy and society in Hexi inland area.