Drip systems are adaptable to oddly shaped fields or those with uneven topography or soil texture; these specific factors must be considered in designing the drip system. Drip systems also can work well where other irrigation systems are inefficient because parts of the field have excessive infiltration, water paddling, or runoff.

Drip irrigation can be helpful if water is scarce or expensive. Because evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation are reduced and irrigation uniformity is improved, it is not necessary to "over-water" parts of a field to adequately irrigate the more difficult parts.

Precise application of nutrients is possible using drip irrigation. Fertilizer costs and nitrate losses can be reduced. Nutrient applications can be better timed to meet plants needs.

Drip irrigation systems can be designed and managed so that the wheel traffic rows are dry enough to allow tractor operations at any time. Timely application of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides is possible.