This document discusses different types of irrigation systems. It begins by defining irrigation as the artificial application of water to land or soil. There are four main types of irrigation systems discussed: surface irrigation where water is applied by gravity flow, typically using flood, furrow or border techniques; subsurface irrigation which applies water below the ground surface to raise the water table; sprinkler irrigation which applies water similarly to rainfall using pumps and pipes; and micro irrigation, also called drip irrigation, which applies frequent, low volume water doses directly to plant roots. Each system type has advantages and disadvantages related to efficiency, costs, crop suitability, and management requirements.