NARRATIVE REPORT FOR METHODS AND TYPES OF

SURFACE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Naseem Jamid D. Sabpa

Engr. Jane Malasador Ph, D.

This document explores the development and application of surface irrigation

techniques, including basin, border, furrow, and wild flooding methods. It highlights how

surface irrigation, one of the oldest agricultural practices, has evolved to suit various field

conditions and water management needs. Each technique is examined in terms of its design,

effectiveness, and suitability for different soil types and crops. The discussion emphasizes the

balance between simplicity and efficiency, showcasing how these methods remain relevant and

valuable in modern agriculture, especially when tailored to specific environmental and

economic contexts.
 Surface irrigation has advanced significantly over time, leading to a wide variety of

application techniques suited to different field conditions and water management requirements.

These techniques can be broadly divided into four categories: basin irrigation, border irrigation,

furrow irrigation, and wild flooding (uncontrolled flood). Each configuration is designed to

optimize the delivery and use of water across agricultural lands.

Essentially, there are two fundamental aspect that define surface irrigation. One of

which is the water flows with a free surface that follows the natural slope due to gravity.

Second, the field surface itself serves as the channel for water conveyance and distribution.

Because of its simplicity and dependence on gravity and the natural terrain, this conventional

yet flexible system is still in use today.

Moreover, basin irrigation is one of the widely used technique in surface irrigation,

particularly in a region where it characterized by small, and segmented field layouts. It is

effective in a field that are level in all directions. From its word “Basin”, the field is enclosed

by a dyke, where it used to retain water and prevent run off by controlling the flow, and it is

pond – like distribution pattern. It provides an undirected flow of water onto the field, allowing

it to spread and infiltrate evenly across the surface, where the roots of the crops are submerged.

However, not all crops are adaptable to the basin irrigation.

One of the notable advantages for basin irrigation is its simple and cost-effective flow

control mechanism at the basin inlet. This basin inlet makes the water distribution efficiently

managed which it reduces labor and improves uniformity. Moreover, it is practical option for

small to medium sized farms if they are aiming for modernizing irrigation practices without

heavy investment. Basin irrigation ensures that water is efficiently absorbed rather than lost to

deep percolation or quick runoff on soils with moderate to slow infiltration rates. Furthermore,

it works particularly well with deeply rooted, tightly spaced crops like rice or other vegetables,
where steady moisture levels are necessary for optimum development. This technique

effectively removes excess salts from the root zone, preserving soil health.

Border irrigation is a widely used surface irrigation technique that expands on basin

irrigation's principles while modifying them to fit elongated field shapes. This method uses

raised soil ridges called borders to divide the area into long, narrow strips. These barriers

efficiently direct the water flow during irrigation by following the land's natural slope or

gradient. When water is released at the higher end, the irrigated strip—the area between these

ridges—becomes flooded.

In contrast to basin irrigation, it uses ridges to direct water flow as it slowly moves

down the field rather than holding it in place. Because of this, the technique works effectively

in fields that are rectangular or contoured, have a consistent longitudinal slope, and have lower

ends that drain either freely or blocked. Compared to uncontrolled floods, border irrigation

provides a more regulated distribution of water, and since water only flows in one direction, it

can be efficiently controlled with the right flow rates and time.

Border spacing in irrigation is influenced by several factors, including soil type, field

slope, pumping capacity, and field dimensions (length and width). In cracking clay soils,

irrigation can be challenging, but the cracks help water spread more evenly across the field.

These soils usually allow for border spacing of 200 to 300 feet, with narrower spacing used on

sloped fields to improve water distribution. For sandy and silt loam soils, which tend to seal or

crust over, border spacing is tighter—100 to 200 feet—to prevent uneven flow, especially on

side slopes. Leaving crop stubble in these fields can help improve water spread by slowing

runoff. The pumping capacity and overall field size determine how many borders can be

irrigated efficiently within a given time. Proper planning based on these factors is key to

achieving effective border irrigation.

channels, known as furrows, spaced evenly across the field. These furrows are created using a

tool called a hipper, which forms parallel beds typically spaced 30 to 38 inches apart. Water is

supplied to the furrows from a pump through lay-flat plastic pipes laid along the field. Small

holes are punched in the pipe to control the flow rate, ensuring that water enters each furrow

consistently and evenly. This method allows for efficient water distribution to the root zones of

row crops while reducing runoff and water waste.

Furrow irrigation offers several practical advantages for crop production. It allows for

the application of 2 to 3 acre-inches of water at once, effectively recharging moisture in the

root zone. The initial investment is relatively low, aside from the cost of land grading.

Additionally, it can utilize water with moderate levels of colloidal material without clogging

issues. Because water is applied to the furrows and not directly on the plants, the risk of

scalding crop foliage is minimized.

However, there are limitations to consider. Land grading is essential to ensure uniform

water distribution across the field. This method is not efficient on sandy soils, where water

tends to infiltrate too quickly and may not reach the end of the rows. It is also difficult to apply

small amounts of water (less than 1 acre-inch), which can be important for sensitive growth

stages. On certain soil types, lateral water movement may be insufficient, leading to uneven

irrigation across the beds.

Wild flooding is a basic and oldest form of surface irrigation where water is released

onto farmland and allowed to flow freely without much control or structure. This method is

inexpensive and easy to implement, making it appealing for areas with abundant water and

limited resources. However, it is also highly inefficient, as water distribution is uneven—some

wild flooding often leads to water wastage and inconsistent crop growth.

One of its main benefits is the low cost of implementation. Unlike more complex

systems such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, flood irrigation requires minimal infrastructure,

making it an affordable choice for farmers with limited financial resources. Its simple setup

allows for quick deployment and adaptability to various terrains. Another advantage is its

ability to cover large areas efficiently, making it ideal for irrigating extensive fields with

minimal effort. This is especially helpful during drought conditions or for crops that require

substantial water. Additionally, flood irrigation can enhance nutrient distribution across the

field, as the flowing water naturally carries minerals and fertilizers through the soil, promoting

balanced crop nutrition and potentially improving yields.

Despite of its benefits, flood irrigation has several drawbacks. It is highly water-

inefficient, with up to half the water lost through evaporation, runoff, or deep seepage. This

makes it unsustainable in water-scarce regions. It also increases the risk of soil erosion and

salinization, which can degrade soil quality and reduce crop productivity over time. These

limitations highlight the need for careful use and improved water management practices.

With the development of practical and diverse systems such as furrow, border, basin,

and wild floods, surface irrigation has greatly improved over time to accommodate a variety of

crops, soil types, and landscapes. Although each technique has advantages and disadvantages,

taken as a whole, they show how conventional irrigation may be modified for better crop yields,

water efficiency, and sustainable farming when used carefully.

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