[Objective] Through revealing the effects of drip irrigation under mulch(MG), drip irrigation without mulch(DG), furrow irrigation(GA), alternate furrow irrigation(JG) and flood irrigation(CK) on the growth and yield of spring maize, we aimed to find out the most effective irrigation method which was suitable for the sandy area of Yulin City in order to provide theoretical support for the development of agricultural water-saving irrigation technology. [Methods] Based on the field experiment data in 2014, statistical analysis and calculation method of water productivity were used. [Results] (1) Under the treatment of MG, the growth and development of spring maize were better than that in other irrigation methods. During whole growth period, plant height, stem diameter and leaf SPAD value in the treatment of MG were higher than that in the treatment of DG, GA and JG, and were significantly higher than that in CK(p<0.05); (2) Under the treatment of MG, the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency of spring maize leaf were greater than the corresponding values in other irrigation methods during whole growth period, and were significantly higher than that in the treatment of CK(p<0.05); (3) Drip irrigation under mulch had significant effects on yield and water use efficiency, the two items were significantly higher than that in other treatments(p<0.05). [Conclusion] Compared with other irrigation methods, the drip irrigation under mulch is the most effective irrigation method for maize in sandy area of Yulin City.