The concept behind irrigation efficiency is simple – deliver the required water to your crops, when and where they need it. By this standard, surface irrigation (also known as "flood") is the most wasteful method of irrigation with only 40% to 50% efficiency. Though drip irrigation is more efficient than flood, and as efficient as center pivot and linear irrigation, it is more labor intensive than irrigating with center pivots and linears. You must determine the irrigation method that is best for you, and the choice is yours.
Irrigation method comparisons include: