More uniform wetting of the surface area is possible. Salts can be washed away. Less total water is used, which can increase efficiency. Sprinklers can also be used for frost control. In general, initial installation costs and power costs are higher than for flood or furrow irrigation systems.
Drip irrigation is the latest innovation in irrigation systems.
Emitters are located at intervals along a lateral plastic tube which is usually laid on the soil surface. The lateral lines are connected to a main line that receives water from a source. Water is usually applied very slowly at the rate of 1 to 2 gallons per hour per emitter under low pressure. The main advantage of this system is that it requires less water than the other systems. Fertilizers and some pesticides can be added to the water before delivery to crops.