[Objective] To study the application of Groasis(water-box) technique of Holland in the afforestation in Minqin desert area, we aimed to provide reference data for larger scale water-saving afforestation in desert areas.[Methods] By choosing 11 afforestation tree species, fields tests were conducted in returning land, inter dunes and introduction garden in Minqin desert area. The survival rate, soil moisture of these tree species were measured as well.[Results] The results showed that:(1) Soil moisture content of 11 afforestation tree species in abandoned farmland was Calligonum mongolicum >Hedysarum scoparium >Caragana korshinskii >Tamarix chinensis >Picea mongolica >Pinus sylvestris >Populus euphratica >Amygdalus mongolica >Hippophae rhamnoides >Ulmus pumila >Elaeagnus angustifolia.(2) Within all 3 soil types, the moisture content in the sand resist trees cultivated by water-box was 2 to 5 times higher than that in the normal cultivation.(3) The survival rate in all sand resist trees cultivated by water-box was improved by 25% to 70%, compared with the normal cultivation.[Conclusion] The water-box can effectively improve the water use efficiency for the sand resist tree species.