Abstract: In order to find better measures for flue-cured tobacco cultivation in arid areas. Experiment was carried out in tobacco’s field to compare effect of polythene mulch, straw mulch and straw manuring on soil moisture, flue-cured tobacco growth and leaf quality. The results showed that both treatments increased soil water contents during the drought season by decreasing water evaporation, but the polythene mulching showed better water-saving effect an the early plant growth stage and the straw mulching showed better effect after fast growing stage. Both mulching methods could promote the growth and development of tobacco plant, of which the polythene mulching was more advantageous at early plant growth stage and the straw mulching or straw manuring showed better effect after fast growing stage. The straw mulching could increase the yield and production value significantly, the production value respectively over a straw mannuring, CK and polythene mulch increase of 7.5%, 18.2% and 37.6%. The straw mulch had a obvious effect on water-saving and leaf quality increasing which was worth using in large drought areas.