It is important to irrigate a farm regularly and consistently. This requires discipline and costs time. Thats why many people use automatic irrigation systems. This has some clear advantages:

• Irrigation system operates when you are not at farm.
• Less evaporation, since there is irrigation before sunrise.
• Irrigation saves time.
• With a rain sensor there is no unnecessary irrigation.
• Generally, the farm is in a better condition by careful irrigation.

Most irrigation systems operate with a main supply pipe that branches to different zones. The zones should be determined based on the required water capacity, location and type of vegetation. Each zone or area is provided with a solenoid valve. The solenoid valves are mounted on a central location or in valve boxes, so they are protected and out of sight. Besides the water supply pipes, a control cable is required. Each solenoid valve is connected to the irrigation controller panel. In this way, each zone can be controlled. The irrigation controller panel can be programmed with a schedule. If being used in a more remote or water sensitive area with a water tank, a float switch is often used to monitor the water level and trigger the controller/valve.