This method of irrigation applies water to your lawn in short bursts so that the soil actually absorbs all of the water applied. Instead of running each sprinkler zone for 15 or 20 minutes each, each zone only runs for the amount of time that the soil can absorb, preventing runoff.
Graphic courtesy of Frisco Texas WaterWise https://www.friscotexas.gov/227/Cycle-Soak-Watering