The effect of water retaining agent on growth and development of maize was studied by a field experiment under the condition of sowing with water,a water-storing absolved irrigation,in Minqin Oasis. Results show that the technology of sowing with water and the application of water-holding agent enable early emergence,enhance leaf area index,promote the accumulation of dry matter,improve the ratio of panicle dry matter distribution,and improve maize grain yield and biological yield. Compared with the CK,applying water absorbent of 2.5 g/m² and using sowing seed dressing can increase yield by 17.77 % and 15.13%,save water by 13.92% and 18.76%,increase farmer's income by 15.73% and 26.37%,and increase water use efficiency by 3.33 and 3.07 kg/m³,respectively.