The present paper aims to analyze the climatic factors influencing the water requirements of maize (Zea mays L.) in the locality of Socol, Caraș-Severin County, during the years 2022–2024. The study builds on previous research concerning the impact of climatic variability on crop water balance, contributing new data for the western region of Romania. Climatic parameters, including monthly and annual temperature and precipitation regimes, were analyzed based on records from the Moldova Veche Meteorological Station. The Thornthwaite and Lawry–Johnson indirect methods were used to estimate maize water consumption, complemented by hydroclimatic balance calculations for the three study years. The results showed that 2024 was the driest and hottest year, with a total maize water consumption of 5685 m³/ha, while 2023 was the warmest and rainiest year, with the lowest consumption (4991 m³/ha). Rainfall covered 68% of maize water demand in 2022, 100% in 2023, and only 52% in 2024. These findings confirm the strong dependence of maize water balance on climatic variability and highlight the need for supplementary irrigation in years with reduced rainfall. It is recommended that irrigation compensate approximately 25–30% of the crop’s water needs, using either sprinkler or drip systems. The originality of the study lies in its three-year comparative approach under local climatic conditions, offering practical implications for optimizing irrigation strategies and ensuring sustainable maize production in increasingly dry regions of Romania.

maize, water consumption, Thornthwaite method, Lawry–Johnson method, hydroclimatic balance, irrigation management, Caraș-Severin

agronomy

Presentation: poster