In order to improve the summer maize cultivation techniques for high yield and high efficiency in Dongting Lake area, field experiments were conducted in 2017-2018 with two machine-harvesting maize varieties (Zhengdan958 and Xiangnongyu No.27) as materials in Taoyuan county, Hunan province. Three nitrogen rates, 150, 225, 300 kg/hm2, and three planting densities, 60 000, 75 000, 90 000 plants/hm2, were used in the experiments. The results showed that the whole growth duration was prolonged 2-4 days with the increase of N rate and was shortened by the earlier sowing. Zhengdan958 and Xiangnongyu No.27 gained the highest yield under conditions of 90 000 plants/hm2 and N 150 kg/hm2, 90 000 plants/hm2 and N 225 kg /hm2, respectively. The effects of N rate, density and their interaction on N uptake efficiency (NUPE) and N fertilizer efficiency (NFE) were significant, NUPE and NFE were increased with the decrement of N rate and increment of density. These results showed that high planting density suited the studied two varieties and appropriate control the N rate played a positive role in high-efficiency uptake and utilization of N fertilizer.