| Irrigation method | Topography | Crops | Remarks |
| Widely spaced borders | Land slopes capable of being graded to less than 1% slope and preferably 0.2% | Alfalfa and other deep rooted close-growing crops and orchards | The most desirable surface method for irrigating close-growing crops where topographical conditions are favourable. Even grade in the direction of irrigation in required on flat land and is desirable but not essential on slopes of more than 0.5%. Grade changes should be slight and reverse grades must be avoided. Cross slops is permissible when confined to differences in elevation between border strips of 6-9 cm. Water application efficiency 45-60 % |
| Graded contour furrows | Variable hand slopes of 2-25% but preferable less | Row crops and fruit | Especially adapted to row crops on steep land, though hazardous due to possible erosion from heavy rainfall. Unsuitable for rodent-infested fields or soils that crack excessively. Actual grade in the direction of irrigation 0.5-1.5%. No grading required beyond filling gullies and removal of abrupt ridges. Water application efficiency 50-65%. |
| Rectangular checks (levees) | Land slopes capable of being graded so single or multiple tree hasins will be levelled within 6 cm. | Orchard | Especially adapted to soils that have either a relatively high or low water intake rate. May require considerable grading. Water application efficiency 40-60%. |
| Sub-irrigation | Smooth-flat | Shallow rooted crops such as potatoes or grass | Requires a water table, very permeable subsoil conditions and precise levelling. Very few areas adapted to this method. Water application efficiency 50-70%. |
| Sprinkler | Undulating 1-> 35% slope | All crops | High operation and maintenance costs. Good for rough or very sandy lands in areas of high production and good markets. Good method where power costs are low. May be the only practical method in areas of steep or rough topography. Good for high rainfall areas where only a small supplementary water supply in needed. Water application efficiency 60-70%. |
| Localized (drip, trickle, etc.) | Any topographic condition suitable for row crop farming | Row crops or fruit | Perforated pipe on the soil surface drips water at base of individual vegetable plants or around fruit trees. Has been successfully used in Israel with saline irrigation water. Still in development stage. Water application efficiency 75-85%. |
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