In order to investigate the optimal irrigation system for maize to increase yield and water content, four levels of irrigation quota（10, 20, 30, 40 mm） were investigated in Taonan City, a semi-arid area. The irrigation method was film drip irrigation, but 50 mm groove irrigation was taken as control. The irrigation mode was drip irrigation under the film, and the local conventional furrow irrigation without film was used as the control. The results showed that compared with furrow irrigation of 50 mm, the yield and WUE of corn under drip irrigation under film of 40 mm were significantly increased, while the WUE of 30 mm under drip irrigation under film was significantly increased without significant difference in yield. Therefore, the best effect is to irrigate 40 mm×3 times during the growth period in the semi-arid area of western Jilin Province.