What characterizes flood irrigation?

Flood irrigation is characterized by the application of water over the surface of the soil without the use of defined channels. This method allows water to flow freely across a field, saturating the soil and ensuring that crops receive the necessary moisture. It is a traditional irrigation practice that relies heavily on gravity to move water, usually in broader fields or flat terrains.

Other options describe different irrigation practices. For example, precision watering with timers pertains more to modern, controlled methods such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, which aim for targeted application. Uniform distribution of water is typically a goal of techniques like sprinkler irrigation that distribute water more evenly across an area, rather than the often uneven flow seen with flood irrigation. Watering specific plants only is characteristic of targeted irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to individual plants rather than flooding an entire area. Thus, the nature of flood irrigation lies in its broad, uncontrolled application of water, making it distinct from these other methods.