There are many types of irrigation systems used for commercial agriculture as well as for irrigating residential and commercial properties. All of these types fall into two main categories: low flow and high flow. Low flow irrigation systems include drip emitters, drip lines, and micro spray sprinklers. High flow systems include rotor, impact, bubbler, and fixed spray sprinklers. This might seem complicated, but in practice, there are only three main types of systems widely in use by homeowners. They are as follows:
Drip irrigation: Drip irrigation systems are among the most popular and widely used. With this system, a landscaping professional will install drip lines at ground level throughout the landscape. These irrigation lines feature water emitters, which deliver water directly to the roots of plants. It is a surface watering system that is highly efficient with water conservation.
Sprinkler irrigation: Sprinkler irrigation systems are versatile and cost-effective. They are also the polar opposite of drip irrigation systems. Rather than delivering water to the roots, sprinklers deliver water overhead. They propel water droplets across relatively long distances away from the sprinkler heads.
Surface irrigation: This is an ancient form of irrigation, ideal for covering large swaths of land without complex technology. Essentially, it relies on the slope of the land and the pull of gravity to naturally distribute water.