Which irrigation method is associated with center-pivot systems?

• A. Sprinkler irrigation
• B. Surface irrigation
• C. Drip irrigation
• D. Subsurface irrigation

Answer: (A)

Center-pivot systems are a type of sprinkler irrigation. They move a long arm with sprinklers around a central point, spraying water over the field as it rotates to achieve uniform coverage. This delivery method—water is emitted through sprinklers rather than flowing along the soil or draining underground—defines sprinkler irrigation.

In contrast, surface irrigation floods water across the soil surface by gravity, drip irrigation delivers water directly at the root zone through emitters on a buried or above-ground line, and subsurface irrigation uses buried lines to apply water below the soil surface. Center-pivot systems fit the sprinkler category because the water is applied via sprayed or misted droplets from the moving sprinklers.