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About 85 % of the arid and semiarid zones of Mexico have erosion problems related to overgrazing in livestock farms, with the consequent increase in the degradation of the soil. The objective of the study was to evaluate different species and practices of soil moisture retention in the survival and development of grass in semiarid lands. A random experimental block design was used in a split-split plots arrangement with three replications. The large plots corresponded to the doses of stubble of corn (0 and 10 t ha(-1)), medium plots were the hydrogel doses (0, 10 and 20 kg ha(-1)) and small plots were the two species of grass Bouteloua curtipendula [Michx.] Torr, and Chloris gayana Kunth. The transplanting method was used. The survival percentage was greater than 72 % from general average; but this variable was outstanding in the C. curtipendula during different evaluation dates. The corn stubble as crop coverture increased the soil moisture content in 16.9 % in relation to the control, it as consequent increase of 24.9 % in biomass production in terms of dry matter. Before it was associated with plants of higher height, and higher number of tillers and higher chlorophyll content. The hydrogel in any doses used, only influenced the better of survival percentage of the grasses at the first 15 d after transplanting, when started the elongation step, but not in their growing and development.