OPTIMIZING MAIZE PRODUCTION THROUGH DRIP IRRIGATION SCHEDULING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF GLOBAL RESEARCH TRENDS AND PRACTICAL OUTCOMES

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a globally important cereal crop that contributes significantly to food security, livestock feed, and agro-industrial systems. Despite its adaptability, maize is highly sensitive to water stress, particularly during flowering and grain-filling stages, where yield losses can be substantial under inadequate irrigation conditions (Malčauskienė et al., 2015; Shaheen & Zhang, 2023). Increasing water scarcity and climate variability have intensified the need for irrigation systems that ensure high productivity while minimizing water consumption.