Table 1 Experimental design and irrigation amounts (mm) in 2013–2015

Control plots

0 (natural rainfall)

× 3 replicates

0 (natural rainfall)

× 3 replicates

–

Treatment 1

120 + 80

× 3 replicates

225

× 3 replicates

Adequate water supply (RSWC: 75% ± 5%)

× 4 replicates

Treatment 2

100 + 40

× 3 replicates

150

× 3 replicates

Slightly continuous water stress (RSWC: 75% ± 5% before the jointing stage + 16 mm)

× 3 replicates

Treatment 3

80

× 3 replicates

120

× 3 replicates

Moderately continuous water stress (RSWC: 75% ± 5% before the jointing stage + 0 mm)

× 3 replicates

Treatment 4

60

× 3 replicates

90

× 3 replicates

Slightly stable water stress (RSWC: 55% ± 5%)

× 3 replicates

Treatment 5

40

× 3 replicates

60

× 3 replicates

Seriously stable water stress (RSWC: 35% ± 5%)

× 3 replicates

Treatment 6

25

× 3 replicates

30

× 3 replicates

–

Treatment 7

15

× 3 replicates

10

× 3 replicates

–

Field control

0 (natural rainfall)

× 4 replicates

–

–