Artificial application of water to assist in the growing of crops (and pastures). Can be done by letting water flow over the land ("surface irrigation"), by spraying water under pressure over the land concerned ("sprinkler irrigation"), or by bringing it directly to the plant ("localized irrigation").; 1. The artificial watering of the land for the purpose of growing crops.; The series of processes and techniques of bringing a large volume of water to a soil to compensate for the effects of drought or insufficient water reserves.