This method is applicable in (semi-)arid regions at the mouth of large river estuaries or deltas where there is a significant tidal range.
It is achieved by excavating tidal canals from the riverbank into the mainland, allowing river water to flow inland during high tides.
[1] The river discharge must be large enough to guarantee a sufficient flow of fresh water into the sea so that no salt water intrusion occurs in the river mouth.
[2] Tidal irrigation efficiently utilizes the periodic movement of tides to naturally push fresh water upstream.
[2] For the irrigation to be effective the soil must have a high infiltration capacity to permit the entry of sufficient water in the soil to cover the evapotranspiration demand of the crop.