It involves applying irrigation water which is similar to natural rainfall. Water is distributed through a system of pipes usually by pumping. It is then sprayed into the air through sprinklers so that it breaks up into small water drops which fall to the ground.
The pump supply system, sprinklers and operating conditions must be designed to enable a uniform application of water. Sprinkler irrigation is suited for most row, field and tree crops and water can be sprayed over or under the crop canopy.
However, large sprinklers are not recommended for irrigation of delicate crops such as lettuce because the large water drops produced by the sprinklers may damage the crop.