In the surface methods of irrigation, water is applied directly to the soil surface from a channel located at the upper reach of the field. Water may be distributed to the crops in border strips, check basins or furrows. Two general requirements of prime importance to obtain high efficiency in surface methods of irrigation are: distribution systems to provide adequate control of water to the fields and proper land preparation to permit uniform distribution of water over the field. They are also designed to minimize labor and capital requirements. Effective management practices are dependent on the type of irrigation, and the climate and topography of the region.