With this irrigation system, water is applied to the soil surface and distributed over the field by gravity, so that the irrigation flow decreases progressively along the field due to infiltration into the soil. The fact that the force of gravity drives the water distribution means that it is not necessary to have complex water distribution structures covering the plot to be irrigated, such as sprinkler or drip system pipes. Moreover, it is not necessary to pressurise the water to obtain a correct and uniform distribution. On the other hand, irrigation efficiency is generally lower than with other pressurised irrigation systems.
