Abstract: A five-year cultivation practice of four introduced fine varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) at the edge of a desert-oasis in Minqin county was investigated. With spring sowing time advanced, all species were significantly ahead of maturity trends. These varieties safely survived summer and winter, even if the maximum temperature in summer was 39℃ and the minimum in winter was -30.4℃. The survival rate increased as the stubble height under different treatments increased from 0, 3, 5, to 7 cm with 7 cm the best stubble height for plant survival. “Algonquin” and “Mathias” varieties in cultivation in the second year can be mowed three times. The annual average hay production achieved on the two varieties was 15 300 and 16 200 kg/hm², respectively, 32.8% and 40.6% greater than that of the control varieties. Seed production was 750 and 765 kg/hm², respectively, 155.0% and 150.0% greater than that of the control varieties. At the same time, these two varieties have shown stronger anti-drought, winter hardy and anti-worm capabilities in a Minqin desert area and similar areas, therefore promoting their economic value. There were no significant differences of seed production and forage production between “Beaver” and “Rangelander” varieties and the control variety.