Water-saving irrigation techniques were tested on winter wheat to improve water use efficiency. Limited irrigation resulted in the highest water use efficiency and only slightly reduced grain yield compared to sufficient irrigation. Under limited irrigation, wheat plants had lower leaf area and leaf angle, but greater light transmittance. Specific leaf weight was lower and transpiration rate was higher under sufficient irrigation. The study found that increasing leaf area index was linked to higher transpiration rate, while specific leaf weight had the opposite effect. Optimal water use efficiency was achieved with reduced irrigation, leading to better canopy optimization and water consumption regulation in arid regions.