Which of the following irrigation methods conserves the most water?

Drip irrigation is recognized as the method that conserves the most water due to its highly efficient delivery system. In this technique, water is delivered directly to the base of plants through a network of tubing and emitters, allowing for precise application. This minimizes evaporation and runoff, ensuring that more water is absorbed by the plants' roots.

By targeting the specific areas where it's needed, drip irrigation significantly reduces water use compared to other methods. Flood, spray, and surface irrigation methods typically involve larger volumes of water being applied over a wider area, often leading to higher rates of evaporation and runoff, which can waste valuable resources. This makes drip irrigation an optimal choice for water conservation in agricultural and horticultural practices.