THREE MAIN FORMS OF CROP IRRIGATION IN USE TODAY
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FIGURE 7.21 Flood irrigation depends on proper leveling of agricultural fields to move water at just the right speed to irrigate the rooting zone of crop plants without wasting too much water. Central-pivot sprinkler irrigation, an automated system of spray irrigation, is widely used in western North America, where it produces the circular agricultural plots visible to air travelers. Drip irrigation, which delivers water to the rooting zone of plants, is another automated irrigation system that finds its widest use in the production of high-value crops in regions where water is especially scarce.
(Jeff Vanuga/NRCS/USDA) (USGS) (Tim McCabe/NRCS/USDA)