Why was irrigation important Sumer? Irrigation helped water the crops they needed to survive. It provided surplus in case of bad weather, like droughts in semiarid climate.

How did irrigation affect Sumer?

Irrigation, the process of digging canals to extend a river's flow to a new area, affected Sumer by opening up new areas for crop farming.

Why was the irrigation system important?

Places that have sparse or seasonal rainfall could not sustain agriculture without irrigation. In areas that have irregular precipitation, irrigation improves crop growth and quality. By allowing farmers to grow crops on a consistent schedule, irrigation also creates more reliable food supplies.