Step 1: Understanding irrigation efficiency.
Irrigation efficiency refers to the percentage of water applied that is actually used by the crop. Higher efficiency means less water loss through evaporation, runoff, or deep percolation. Step 2: Comparing different irrigation methods.
Different irrigation systems vary in how effectively they deliver water to the plant root zone. Traditional methods usually involve greater water losses. Step 3: Characteristics of drip irrigation.
Drip irrigation supplies water directly to the root zone in small, controlled quantities. This minimizes evaporation losses and prevents runoff and deep percolation. Step 4: Analyzing the options. (A) Surface irrigation: Low efficiency due to runoff and evaporation losses. (B) Sprinkler irrigation: Moderate efficiency, but water losses occur due to wind drift and evaporation. (C) Drip irrigation: Correct — It provides the highest irrigation efficiency. (D) Furrow irrigation: Similar to surface irrigation with significant water losses. Step 5: Conclusion.
Among all irrigation methods, drip irrigation has the maximum efficiency.