How did Mesopotamian farmers obtain the right amount of water for their crops?

1. Gates controlled how much water flowed from the river.

2. Main canals led from the river. They sloped down gently to keep the water flowing.

3. Medium-sized branch canals led away from the main canals.

4. Small feeder canals led directly to the fields.

SHORTER ANSWER:

Farmers built canals to carry water from the rivers to their fields. (irrigation) Built dams to hold back excess water during floods. Silt in water clogged the canals.