ABSTRACT
The choice of irrigation method is frequently determined by certain limiting conditions which preclude one or another of the possibilities and may leave no alternative. In other cases, where both surface and pressure-pipe irrigation are theoretically possible, the choice must be based upon the weighing of several factors of which the economic is often, but not always, the governing. Pressure-pipe irrigation generally refers to both sprinklers and drip, unless otherwise specified. It is the purpose of this chapter to review in a systematic fashion the necessary and sufficient conditions which apply to each type of irrigation so that the final selection can be made on the basis of sound criteria. In those cases where the choice is difficult, reference will be made to experimental data. The factors to be considered are grouped under the following headings: water supply, topography, climate soils, crops, economics, and the human element.
