Development in improved surface irrigation in China*

Abstract Surface irrigation is the most widely used irrigation method in China. Surface irrigation performance is affected by many factors, such as land levelling precision, irrigation system layout, irrigation control rules and irrigation management. Compared to pressure irrigation, surface irrigation is more difficult to control. At present extensive surface irrigation management has led to a low application efficiency of irrigation water. So, improving surface irrigation has a large potential to increase irrigation performance. Key technologies of improved surface irrigation include land levelling technology, irrigation simulation technology, design of surface irrigation systems, irrigation control technology and irrigation management schemes. This paper introduces the application status of surface irrigation technology and the existing questions that need to be improved, analyses the key technology of improving surface irrigation and the main research results around each key technology, discusses application of the main research results in surface irrigation management, and proposes further research topics around improving surface irrigation performance. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.