Which irrigation system can deliver over-the-top application of water to aid in freeze control?

The irrigation system that can effectively deliver over-the-top application of water to aid in freeze control is sprinkler irrigation. This method involves spraying water into the air using a system of pipes, pumps, and sprinklers. The water droplets fall onto the plants and soil, creating a protective ice layer that helps to insulate the plants from freezing temperatures.

Sprinkler irrigation is particularly useful in frost protection because it allows for even coverage of water across the entire area, ensuring that the plants receive the necessary moisture to form that protective layer. This can prevent damage to sensitive crops during unexpected cold spells.

In contrast, drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of each plant through a network of tubes and emitters, which is more efficient for water usage but does not provide the overhead coverage required for freeze control. Surface irrigation involves flooding the fields which can lead to water pooling rather than a fine mist that offers frost protection. Subsurface irrigation applies water below the soil surface, which, while efficient for plant growth, does not address the need for an overhead protective layer against frost.