Optimal use of existing irrigation systems (IS) is as important as investments in new IS. Officially there are 52 IS in Slovenia, that are actively used, however less is known about how well they are being used. The paper overviews the cultures being represented on examined IS. The research, carried out for the period 2006-2009 indicates, that the examined IS are being used below its expected potentials. On average, the groups of cultures that are normally irrigated in Slovenia (orchards, ornamental plants, vegetables) cover 27% of the surface of IS, while the cultures that are normally not irrigated (forage crops, cereals, vineyards) cover 73%. The paper identifies the possible reasons for this situation, however further field research needs to be undertaken in the future to identify the influencing factors unambiguously and find possible solutions that would result in IS being used efficiently.
