The extent of irrigated land in al-Andalus contrasts with the unirrigated agriculture that predominated in the feudal states to the north. The farmers of al-Andalus grew prolific crops that offered them a varied diet, with little dependence on wheat. The existence of a commercial, monetary economy allowed them to plan their irrigated crops and orient their production towards the needs of the market.

One of the most widespread irrigation techniques is the noria, a mechanism for extracting water using animal power. Having originated in Syria, the noria was introduced into Hispania in the time of the Umayyad caliphate and during the 11th century its use spread also to the counties of Catalonia.

The well from which the noria draws the water, which is normally not more than 9 m deep, is dug near the course of a river to capture the underground water. Beside the noria there is always a cistern to catch the water. The accumulated water can create an abundant flow, depending on the size of the opening in the cistern, which enables an area of about 2 hectares to be irrigated.