What is one disadvantage of surface irrigation?

Surface irrigation is a method where water is applied directly to the soil surface and allowed to flow over the field by gravity. One significant disadvantage of this method is that it can lead to runoff and water wastage.

In surface irrigation, if the application rate exceeds the soil's infiltration rate, excess water can flow off the field rather than being absorbed by the plants. This runoff not only represents a loss of water that could be beneficial for crop growth but can also contribute to soil erosion and nutrient loss from the field. Managing the amount of water applied is crucial; otherwise, the system can become inefficient, leading to both resource wastage and degradation of the land due to erosion.

This wastefulness, combined with the potential impact on both the environment and water conservation efforts, underscores why surface irrigation requires careful management to be effective.