Furrow irrigation is the dominant type of surface irrigation. Avoids flooding the entire field surface by channelling the flow along the primary direction of the field using furrows, creases or corrugations.  Furrows are generally straight, but may also be curved to follow the contour of the land (see pictures).

The plants are situated on the higher ridge or bed soil, while the irrigation water is carried along the adjacent furrow. Water infiltrates through the wetted perimeter and spreads vertically and horizontally to refill the soil profile.

The distinctive feature of furrow irrigation is that the flow into each furrow is independently set through the siphons. There are devices for flow measurement of each siphon (see pictures). Furrows provide better on-farm water management flexibility under many surface irrigation conditions. Also, provides the irrigator more opportunities to manage irrigations toward higher efficiencies within this category.

Ideal for row crops and also widely used in horticulture.

Specific disadvantages of furrow irrigation

 

	Accumulation of salinity between furrows
	Increase level of tile water losses
	Difficulty of moving farm equipment across the furrows
	Expense and time to make extra tillage practice (furrow construction)
	Higher commitment of labour to operate efficiently