Correlations between the moisture content of the soil and maize yield in two drought crop years (2007 and 2009) were examined in a multifactoral long-term experiment. It can be seen from the water shortage values that bicultural crop rotation is the most favourable option, as the lowest values were obtained in relation to this method when examining the entire growing season. The low yield in 2007 can be attributed to the high water shortage values, whereas despite the similarly unfavourable precipitation supply in 2009, yields were significantly higher. This yield was a result of the amount of rainfall in June. The amount of precipitation which was even higher than the 30 year average satisfied the increased water demand of maize during the flowering-yield set period of maize; therefore, it caused higher yields, thereby "saving yield". As for the irrigated plots, water replenishment in May provided an even more balanced water supply in the first half of the growing season; therefore, a more powerful vegetative growth and higher yields were obtained. Based on the examinations carried out, it was shown that the stress and more significant yield depression generated by precipitation shortage in drought crop years can be eased by applying proper agrotechnical elements.

Keywords: crop year, maize, yield, water shortage, irrigation