What is the method of watering a field without definite channels or direction called?

Flood irrigation is the method of watering a field without definite channels or direction. In this technique, large amounts of water are released to cover the entire area of the field, allowing it to flow over the soil surface and infiltrate the ground. This method relies on gravity, with water spreading across the field based on the natural contours of the land, rather than through controlled, directed pathways.

Unlike other methods, such as drip or sprinkler irrigation, which involve more precise application and control of water delivery, flood irrigation creates a more uniform distribution across the surface, but lacks the specificity in water management that some crops might require. This technique is often used in situations where conditions permit it, such as in floodplains or where soil has high water retention, making it a historically traditional approach for irrigating large areas efficiently.