Energy flux measurements were carried out in an open field of sparse maize (4 plants m-2). The Bowen ratio energy balance method was applied both over crop canopy and soil surface levels to measure latent heat fluxes from maize field and soil surface respectively. Canopy latent heat flux was obtained by the difference between that of maize field and soil surface. Measurements were taken during a six-day wet (daily irrigation) and dry (irrigation was halted) periods. Comparisons between energy balances during the two periods were analyzed through the ratio of latent heat fluxes from maize field, canopy and soil surface to respective available energies. Results showed that, during the two periods, maize field latent heat flux was a major part of available energy at maize field level (> 90 percent). No major differences in energy balance patterns were observed between the two periods at maize field level. However, at soil surface level, sensible heat flux increased and available energy at soil surface was almost equally used to drive latent and sensible heat fluxes during the dry period. During this period, the canopy was absorbing sensible heat flux that was generated at soil surface. Sensible heat flux from soil surface, during the dry period, contributed up to 31 percent to latent heat flux from canopy. During the wet period, canopy and soil surface were fully evaporating water and no major energy exchanges between soil surface and canopy were observed. This study showed the importance of irrigation scheduling in reducing soil evaporation and increasing transpiration.