In order to compare the effects of mulch and soil covered drip irrigation on the growth of maize, three irrigation levels of high, medium and low were carried out to analyze the growth index, root distribution, water consumption and yield of maize. The results showed that the average leaf area index of mulched drip irrigation was 13%~20% higher than that of soil covered drip irrigation. The root of mulched drip irrigation evenly distributed in the top 30 cm soil layer. The root of soil covered drip irrigation was 10 cm deeper than that of mulched drip irrigation. The total water consumption of mulched drip irrigation was 9% lower than that of soil covered drip irrigation, which was obvious for water saving. The yield of mulched drip irrigation was 7%~15% higher than that of soil covered drip irrigation in the normal and dry year. The yield of mulched drip irrigation was 6%~19% lower than that of soil covered drip irrigation in the normal and wet year (p < 0.05). Medium irrigation treatment with the highest yield and water productivity was the best irrigation scheduling. For different study areas, the annual average precipitation and the annual precipitation forecast were used to calculate the precipitation in the growing period. When annual precipitation was less than 268.32 mm, it was better to use mulched drip irrigation with 186.1 mm of irrigation quota and 7 times; while soil covered drip irrigation for more than 268.32 mm with 228.0 mm of irrigation quota and 8 times. The results could provide a theoretical basis for high-efficiency irrigation of drip irrigation of maize in the study area and similar areas.