In this work, a field study was conducted to investigate pod plumpness, yield, nutrition quality under unmulching (UM), mulching film (FM) and superabsorbent polymer (SP) conditions to explore the effect of FM and SP on watersaving. SP was furrowed into the ridge at the rate of 75, 150 and 225 kg·hm^-2 before sowing. We hope to provide a theoretical basis for rational application of superabsorbent polymer and developing a new technology for watersaving in dry region peanut. The results showed that: (1) pod yield under SP (75~225 kg·hm^-2) was 3.48%~16.01% higher compared to UM. When the SP amount applied increased, the yield increased first and then decreased. The yield was the highest when 150 kg·hm^-2 of SP (SP150) was applied. However, the yield of the SP150 was no significant (P>0.05) difference from FM. (2) Compared with UM, the plump rate of pods and seeds significantly increased under FM, it was 14.62% and 14.11% higher. The plump rate of pods and seeds gradually increased before SP150 was applied, then decreased with the amount of SP increased continuously. It was 10.99% and 15.99% higher than UM when the SP150 condition. (3) Quality analysis demonstrated that quality traits including fat, oleic acid, the ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid (O/L) of all seeds under FM and SP treatments were higher compared to UM. The general sample including all seeds with economic value increased more than the typical sample containing only plump and consistent seeds. The fat and oleicacid content, O/L of general sample increased by 9.66%, 12.27%, 23.08% compared to UM when SP150 was applied. While it was no significant difference from FM. All these results indicate that SP had positive effect on yield and quality of peanut. The SP application of 150 kg·hm^-2 improved most pod plumpness and yield, increased quality traits of peanut seeds mainly by the general sample. It was basically the same as FM.