Surge irrigation has emerged as an innovative solution to improve water management in agriculture, addressing critical limitations of conventional irrigation methods. This technique involves the intermittent application of water through controlled, cyclic flows, resulting in optimized water distribution and infiltration efficiency. Recent studies have shown that surge irrigation can achieve water savings of up to 40% and crop yield improvements ranging from 15% to 30%, particularly in row crops such as maize, wheat, and cotton, compared to traditional furrow irrigation. These improvements are facilitated by reducing deep percolation losses, enhancing soil moisture uniformity, and minimizing erosion. This review comprehensively analyzes surge irrigation’s principles, benefits, challenges, and advancements. Recent technological developments, including automated surge controllers, precision timing systems, and integration with smart sensors for real-time monitoring, have significantly enhanced the efficiency and adaptability of surge irrigation. Despite its benefits, challenges remain, including high initial investment costs, variability in soil types, and the need for technical expertise. The adoption of surge irrigation is further limited in resource-constrained areas, where infrastructure and training support are lacking. This article also highlights the potential of surge irrigation to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable water use and increasing agricultural productivity. Scaling up this technology requires collaborative efforts involving policymakers, researchers, and farmers, as well as advancements in automation, AI integration, and remote sensing. By addressing key barriers and harnessing technological innovations, surge irrigation can play a transformative role in building water-resilient agricultural systems. It holds immense promise for ensuring food security, conserving water resources, and supporting sustainable development, particularly in water-stressed and arid regions.
https://www.bpsu.edu.ph/index.php/component/jdownloads/send/902-volume2issue2-re/4434-2210-2024
