AbstractHigh planting density of maize (Zea mays L.) changes the distribution of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in the canopy and reduces the stalk quality, thus increasing the risk of lodging. The light distribution in the canopy can be changed by changing the row spacing between adjacent row, which in turn may affect lodging resistance. Two maize cultivars, Zhongdan 909 and Xinyu 41 were planted in 60 cm (CK) and three configurations that had different distances between the rows. These treatment were 70 + 50 cm where rows 1 and 2 were separated by 50 cm and rows 2 and 3 were separated by 70 cm. The other treatments were 80 + 40 and 90 + 30 cm. All rows had an equal number of plants. In these plots, canopy light distribution and stalk lodging resistance was measured. The results showed that the intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) of the whole canopy in the 70 + 50 and 80 + 40 cm did not differ from the CK, but the IPAR from ear level to halfway below the ear level and the soil (H3–H2) increased by 12.5 and 20.1%, compared with the CK. Basal internode cellulose and lignin contents, rind puncture strength (RPS) increased, and lodging rate decreased by 2.8 and 4.5% in the 70 + 50‐ and 80 + 40‐cm treatments compared to the CK. Intercepted PAR in the 90 + 30‐cm treatment decreased, as did its cellulose contents, and RPS, while lodging increased. Therefore, the 70 + 50‐ and 80 + 40‐cm treatments could increased IPAR in the H3–H2 layer, then cause the increase of the cellulose content in the basal internode and lodging resistance.