AbstractCrop shading affects irrigation uniformity and water distribution under microsprinkling hose irrigation (MHI). This study aims to ascertain how MHI distributes irrigation water under crop shading. Various crop heights and canopy coverages of wheat specimens were designed. The experiment was conducted under four working pressures (20, 24, 28 and 32 kPa). The irrigation water distribution of the MHI under crop shading was analysed under various crop heights and canopy coverages. The results showed that (1) the irrigation uniformity of MHI could reach approximately 50% while the planting row spacing of wheat was appropriate. Crop shading had little effect on irrigation performance. (2) During the jointing period, when the wheat height reached 0.4 m, intensive stems reduced the irrigation uniformity and spraying range of MHI. (3) The wheat height could reach 0.6–0.7 m in the maturing period. The uniformity was 25%–50%, which was far lower than the effect of irrigation during the jointing period. To obtain great irrigation performance and acceptable crop yield, it is important to select the proper pressure under the various crop heights and canopy coverages of wheat under MHI.