The compensation for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) under simulated herbivory stress by clipping was examined in a semi-arid region of Gansu province in 1996. The results showed that clipping at seedling stage reduced spring wheat growth under two irrigation conditions. The yield of spring wheat generally under-compensated the clipping effect. Heavy clipping (cutting all leaves above the ground, T0, T1) resulted in a more serious reduction in yield, compared with light clipping cutting half of the leaves, H0, H1). The yields of all treatments were lower than controls(CK0, CK1), i.e., CK0 > H0 > T0 > CK1 > H1 > T1. Irrigation for once right after clipping increased wheat growth and its compensatory ability, although they were still under-compensation.