Different canopy resistance (rc) parameterization has been used in land surface models to simulate actual evapotranspiration (ETc) and soil hydraulic variable for crop fields. However, the influence of r c parameterization on evapotranspiration (ET) partitioning and soil water dynamics has not been fully investigated with consideration of the coupled soil water and vapor physics. This study investigated the influential mechanisms of five r c methods (viz., Jarvis, Katerji-Perrier, Massman, Kelliher-Leuning, and Farias) on ET partitioning and soil water contents in an irrigated maize field under a semiarid climate through a soil water and vapor transfer model. The Jarvis method presented the best ET results (R2 = 0.86 and RMSE = 0.71 mmd-1). Different rc parameterization mainly altered the simulated amount of soil water contents, while not changed the response of soil water dynamics to irrigation events. By the integrated analysis of the ET partitioning and root-zone water budget, different r c methods varied in the choice of the optimum irrigation water use strategies. This study identified the direct and indirect impacts of r c on the ET partitioning and emphasizes the necessity of both the ET partitioning and water supply sources in the decision-making for irrigation water management in semiarid regions.