Even though irrigation has been practiced for so many years, modern methods were started as little as 200 years ago. Selection of the right watering system can save labor and water, and assure increased crop yields. Each of these have characteristics which makes them useable in a specific situation. This method is often used for orchards and vineyards and for hay, pasture and cereal grains. The land must be leveled and graded.
Furrow irrigation is one of the most widely used methods for crops.
Water runs down the furrows between plant rows. Water moves to all parts of the soil by capillary action or gravity. This system is efficient in water utilization, but is expensive because of high labor costs. An advantage of furrow irrigation is uniform crop maturity, possible because water is more uniformly applied than in flood irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation is often used when flood or furrow systems are impractical.