In Egypt, many peoples believe that surface irrigation in old lands (heavy soils) is wasting water and being inefficient, So we should convert to more efficient systems like drip or sprinkler.
i. I think nothing inherent about surface irrigation for being inefficient. Once we completely control the computed water flow, the surface irrigation could be comparable to modern systems.
ii. The accumulate experience of farmers in practicing surface irrigation, makes it easy to improve.
iii. Drip irrigation can be used for trees and row crops. In addition, you pay more for initial and operating costs.
iv. Drip irrigation involves frequent application of irrigation water which standing against the national irrigation rotations followed in the old land of Egypt.
v. Drip also requires higher skills and knowledge about calculating irrigation times and chemicals and fertilizers injection rates.