Abstract: In order to probe the best application methods of PAM in Zea mays production in Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, PAM was applied with four methods of furrowing, mixing,broadcasting and holing, taken plots without PAM at Zea mays sowing as control. Effects of PAM on soil moisture, soil temperature and Zea mays growth status were studied at different growth stages of Zea mays. The results showed that:1)The application of PAM led to the increase of soil moisture during all growth stages of Zea mays, especially in drought stage of tasseling-silking and filling stages. 2) The application of PAM hindered the rise of soil temperature in seedling and trefoil stages, and inhibited the growth of Zea mays seedling. 3)The application of PAM promoted Zea mays growth from jointing stage,especially in tasseling-silking and filling stages. 4) Compared with the control, Zea mays yields of furrowing, mixing, broadcasting and holing increased by 30.6%, 39.3%, 40.2% and 31.7%respectively, water use efficiency improved by 18.97%,25.43%, 29.69% and 20.46% respectively,and water production rate improved by 31.36%, 40.71%, 42.15% and 32.32% respectively. 5)In Hetao Irrigation District, broadcasting was the relatively optimum application method of PAM at Zea mays sowing.