 This research provides a detailed analysis of irrigation systems around the globe showing how different systems can affect the amount of water used and the amount of yield produced. The authors found that surface irrigation systems are the least efficient, using up to 60% of the water applied for no additional yield. Sprinkler and drip irrigation systems were found to be more efficient, using less than half of the water applied for the same yield. Additionally, the authors found that replacing surface irrigation systems with sprinklers or drips could increase crop yields without increasing water usage. This article was authored by J. J. Jermeyer, D. Curtin, J. Heink, and others.