Basin irrigation is the most common form of surface irrigation, particularly in regions with layout of small fields. A basin is typically square in shape, but exists in all sorts of irregular and rectangular configurations. A large plot of land is levelled finitely to a dead level surface and contained on all sides by a level, bank or berm.

A large volume of water is applied quickly, so the total surface is wetted at once. An adequate supply of water must be available. It is generally favoured by moderate to slow intake soils, deep rooted and closely spaced crops.

Basin irrigation has a number of limitations, i.e. soil crusting and crops that cannot accommodate inundation. Precision land levelling is very important to achieve uniformity and efficiency. To reach maximum efficiency, the flow/unit width must be as high as possible without causing erosion of the soil.