What is furrow irrigation?

Furrow irrigation is a form of surface irrigation in which water is supplied to crops by running it through small furrows or trenches dug along the length of the field. In this method, water is allowed to flow downhill, and it reaches the crop roots through gravity and capillary action.

Furrow irrigation is typically used for row crops such as cotton, corn, wheat, and soybeans. It is relatively low cost and easy to implement compared to other irrigation methods. However, it has some limitations, such as relatively low water distribution uniformity and high water loss due to runoff and infiltration.

To improve the efficiency of furrow irrigation, farmers can use techniques such as laser leveling to ensure a more uniform slope and water application, bury drip tubing in the furrows to reduce water loss and improve water distribution, and use irrigation scheduling tools to optimize water use and minimize waste.

Overall, furrow irrigation remains an important irrigation method worldwide, particularly in regions with low to moderate rainfall and limited access to alternative water sources.