Running a small or niche agricultural business means every decision counts, and the margins between profit and loss can be razor-thin. While you can’t control the weather, you can take one of the most unpredictable parts of farming—irrigation—and turn it into a precise, data-driven operation. Smart irrigation makes that possible. Unlike conventional irrigation systems that use inefficient timers and controllers to manage watering schedules, smart irrigation systems leverage more advanced water technology to optimize water usage.

High-value crops demand high-value care, and you know there’s no room for inefficiency. Ready to discover how a little bit of automation and agriculture software development services can deliver a lot of ROI? Let us show you how. In this post, you will learn what is smart irrigation, how it will benefit your farm, and how to implement it.

What is Smart Irrigation?

Smart irrigation is a modern approach to watering that uses advanced technology to optimize outdoor water use and improve plant health. Unlike traditional irrigation methods, which often require manual adjustments or simple timers, smart systems utilize sensors, local weather data, and algorithms to deliver water precisely when and where it’s needed.

Here’s a comparison table of key differences between smart and traditional irrigation systems.

Feature	Traditional Irrigation	Smart Irrigation
Scheduling	Manual or simple timers	Sensors and algorithms
Water Delivery	Fixed schedules	Real-time adjustments based on data
Efficiency	Can be inefficient, leading to over- or underwatering	More efficient due to precise water delivery
Automation	Limited automation	Highly automated
Data Analysis	Minimal data collection and analysis	Extensive data collection and analytics
Cost	Lower initial cost	The initial high cost is offset by the reduced water consumption
Maintenance	Requires regular manual adjustments	Requires minimal maintenance
Environmental Impact	Can waste water and contribute to pollution	More sustainable due to outdoor water savings

The Rising Need for Water-Efficient Solutions

As our planet’s population grows and the climate changes, the demand for water outpaces its availability. The need for water conservation and responsible use is no longer a distant concern; it cries for sustainable and innovative water management solutions. The agricultural sector utilizes approximately 70% of the planet’s freshwater supply. So, yes, agriculture is under the biggest pressure to optimize water consumption. Unfortunately, if we don’t start to actively implement state-of-the-art technologies like smart irrigation systems, the water shortage will only deepen and threaten our ecosystems and economies.

Given that irrigation accounts for a large portion of the total water usage, that’s an area that needs improvements the most. The smart irrigation system is one of the most efficient ways to water crops using the exact amount of water they need to the last drop while conserving the rest for the future. With smart water irrigation, you can:

• Reduce water waste. As plants receive the right amount of water when they need it due to smart irrigation, agribusinesses can greatly decrease overwatering to preserve natural resources.
• Improve crop yields. Smart systems deliver the optimal amount of water to plants so you can increase crop productivity and quality.
• Protect the environment. Lower water waste and pollution due to smart watering helps protect ecosystems and maintain water quality.
• Increase economic efficiency. Reduced water costs and energy consumption (since less water needs to be pumped and treated) enhance the economic viability of agricultural operations.

How Does Smart Irrigation Work?

When you hear “smart irrigation,” it might sound like something straight out of a futuristic farm from 2050. But in fact, it’s a sophisticated yet widely applied way to optimize water use in agriculture. So, how does it work, what is it made of, and why is data its driving force?

Components of a Smart Irrigation System

A smart irrigation system consists of a combination of hardware and software elements that enable the system to calculate the necessary quantities of water and deliver that exact amount to support the plants’ health. Here’s what makes up the smart watering:

• Controllers are the brains of the system that manage irrigation schedules and make decisions based on data collected from sensors.
• Sensors are placed throughout the irrigation system to gather information on temperature indicators, the level of soil moisture, and other environmental factors.
• Meteorological data collection (rainfall, wind speed, etc.) is taken into account to set up watering schedules accordingly.
• Soil moisture monitoring gives information on the moisture content that helps you determine when and how much to water.
• Flow meters measure how much water is actually being used, while valves control the distribution of water to various areas of the field.

The Importance of Data and Analytics in Smart Irrigation

Actually, advanced analytics and access to real-time data are what make the irrigation system smart. The dashboard that you can open on your mobile phone or laptop will show you exactly what’s happening in your fields. The system continuously gathers information on soil moisture, weather conditions, crop growth patterns, and more using sensors. All this data helps the smart water irrigation system determine the precise amount of water each area of your field needs at any given time.

Due to real-time data collection through sensors, the system can react immediately to changes in soil conditions or weather. For example, if a sudden heatwave is detected, the system can increase irrigation to prevent stress on the plants. On the other hand, if a rainstorm is approaching, the system can pause watering to conserve water and prevent oversaturation.

The analytics tools used in the smart irrigation system are also useful in long-term planning. Over time, the systems learn to identify trends in water consumption and plant growth and help you make more informed decisions about planting schedules, crop rotation, and resource management. 

Types of Smart Irrigation Systems

Depending on your crops, climate, and water needs, there are different systems designed to make watering as efficient and effective as possible. Here is a quick look at some popular options:

• Weather-Based Systems
  These systems have access to local weather stations or use built-in rain sensors to monitor real-time weather conditions (temperature, solar radiation, humidity, etc.). When rain is on the horizon, the system automatically dials down or postpones watering to save water and prevent overwatering. Conversely, during dry spells or heatwaves, it ramps up irrigation to ensure your plants don’t suffer from thirst.
• Soil Moisture Sensors
  Instead of guessing when your soil might need water, you have an agriculture irrigation system that literally feels the soil’s needs. Soil moisture sensors, planted directly in the ground, track the moisture levels non-stop. When the soil surface dries out, the sensors signal the system to begin watering. If the ground is adequately moist, the system holds off so that no water is wasted. This type of smart irrigation is particularly effective in regions where water conservation is extremely critical.
• Smart Sprinkler Controllers
  You can easily control smart sprinklers from your smartphone or computer and adjust schedules and settings with just a few taps. As a fully-featured irrigation system, they factor in weather forecasts, soil conditions, and the specific needs of different zones in your landscape to deliver precise watering. Their added convenience and control lie in the fact that they can be integrated with other smart systems.
• Drip Irrigation with Smart Controls

Drip irrigation is already one of the most water-efficient ways to water the root zone of plants directly. Similar to all other systems, drip irrigation uses sensors and analytics to adjust the flow based on real-time conditions. Whether it’s a slight change in soil moisture content or a sudden shift in weather, the system fine-tunes water delivery to ensure that every drop counts. On top of lower water bills, you can improve plant health, increase yields, and ultimately drive your ROI.

Technologies Used in Smart Irrigation

We’ve discussed a lot of details regarding the work and the composition of smart irrigation systems to give you a general idea of this solution. But we’d also like to shed some light on smart irrigation technology that makes the whole mechanism work. 

Smart irrigation uses the evapotranspiration method, which involves a combination of evaporation from the soil surface with the transpiration of plant materials to deliver water precisely according to the plants’ current needs. By considering factors such as weather conditions and plant type, these systems help conserve water while ensuring optimal growth and health of vegetation. Evaporation and transpiration are the key elements that help determine the watering schedule and amount of water required for maintaining healthy landscapes.

IoT and Connectivity in Agriculture

Sensors, connected valves, controllers, and others are all examples of IoT (Internet of Things) devices that can communicate with each other. Thanks to connectivity and data-sharing capabilities, all these devices can collaborate to form a smart irrigation system. For example, soil moisture sensors tell the system when and where water is needed, while connected valves adjust the flow with pinpoint accuracy. Thus, they care that your crops get exactly what they need without a drop wasted. This technology is quite popular, and there is a myriad of IoT applications in agriculture beyond irrigation. 

The Role of AI and Machine Learning

AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) are about analysis and predictions. Their superpowers are the ability to process a mountain of data in a fraction of time to find certain trends and patterns and learn on their own. For instance, in agriculture, these technologies can predict the optimal watering schedules or anticipate potential crop issues by analyzing plant conditions, climate factors, and historical data. 

With time, irrigation systems that use AI in agriculture become more precise in their forecasts and decisions as they continuously learn from data and adapt to changes. Similar to IoT, AI in agriculture is a widely used technology in different solutions due to the tangible benefits it offers to agribusinesses. 

Your next read: IoT and AI in Agriculture

GPS and Remote Sensing Applications

Smart water irrigation can leverage data from satellites and drones (remote sensing) to provide a bird’s eye view of all your fields. It helps farmers assess soil conditions, monitor crop health, or detect the early signs of water stress before it becomes a problem. GPS technology, along with drones, allows you to detect a dry patch in your field from miles away and tell your system to automatically increase watering in that exact spot. 

Benefits of Smart Irrigation

The smart irrigation market is projected to nearly double in size by 2029 and surge from $1.8 billion in 2024 to $3 billion. The reason behind the growth is simple. Farmers and agribusinesses found smart irrigation technology to be not only an environmentally friendly solution but also a promising investment for the future. Let’s figure out why.     

Water Conservation

Since water is scarce, it’s a very precious resource we should consume responsibly to preserve for future generations. As we’ve mentioned, agriculture uses around 70% of all the water in the world, and sadly, 40% of the consumed water annually is lost due to ineffective irrigation practices. 

Smart irrigation helps agricultural businesses solve this issue. Smart systems prevent overwatering, which could cause root rot, nutrient leaching, and water waste that could be preserved or used elsewhere. 

Improved Plant Health and Crop Yield

Healthy plants start with proper watering. Too much or too little water can be disastrous for crops. The smart watering system consistently delivers the precise water amount each plant needs so they can better absorb the nutrients and water. Clearly, well-hydrated plants will grow faster, showing higher yields and better-quality produce. Conversely, overwatering creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases, so the right water level reduces the risk of plant diseases.

Cost Savings Over Time

At first glance, smart irrigation seems like a hefty investment, and that’s true. But when you look at the long-term and potential savings, the math quickly adds up. First, optimized water usage will dramatically reduce your water bills. And with healthier plants and higher yields, your return on investment grows season after season. Plus, the need for manual labor is lower, which cuts down on operational costs. In the end, smart irrigation systems turn out to be a smart financial move that pays off in more ways than one.

Convenience and Automation

Let’s face it—manual irrigation management is tedious. You have to keep track of weather conditions, monitor soil moisture, and take into account a number of other factors to set up your watering schedule. The smart irrigation system automates all these tasks. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can control and monitor your irrigation system from anywhere. It’s a way more convenient way to care about your plants and be sure they receive the optimal amount of water.

How to Implement Smart Irrigation

Although smart water irrigation is a complex technology, its adoption is not a very difficult task when you know where to start and where to move next. That’s why Relevant experts have outlined the key steps to take to implement the solution. 

Assess Your Watering Needs with Data Analysis Tools

To know what type of smart water irrigation system is best for you, you need to evaluate the water requirements for your fields. That’s a thorough work that requires some time because you have to consider a variety of factors during assessment.

• Soil Characteristics
  • Soil type. Different soils have different water-retention capabilities, affecting irrigation needs.
  • Soil texture. The texture of the soil (coarse, medium, or fine) also affects its water-holding capacity.
  • Soil structure. The organization of soil particles can influence water infiltration and drainage.
  • Soil organic matter. The presence of organic matter in soil aids in water retention and drainage.
• Plant Needs
  • Crop type. Different crops have varying water requirements. Some crops, like corn and rice, require large amounts of water, whereas wheat and barley are more drought-resistant.
  • Growth stage. The water needs of plants can change throughout their growth cycle. Young plants typically require more water than established plants.
• Existing Irrigation System Efficiency
  • Current irrigation system. The irrigation method you employ (e.g., sprinkler, drip, flood) will affect water application rates and efficiency.
  • System condition. The condition of your irrigation system, including the age and maintenance of components, can impact water distribution.
• Climate. Local weather information, including temperature, humidity, and rainfall, influences irrigation schedules.
• Landscape features. Factors like slope, shade, and wind can impact water evaporation and runoff.

Upon analysis of all these factors, you’ll be able to determine the optimal frequency and duration for your specific landscape irrigation.  

Choose the Right Smart Irrigation System and Software Stack

When you know the watering needs of your farm or agribusiness, it’ll be easier to determine the right system for your requirements. Google the best smart irrigation solutions and compare the options. Pay close attention to these important aspects when deciding:

• Features. Look for systems that offer features like weather-based control, soil moisture monitoring, and remote management.
• Compatibility. Check that the system can work with your existing irrigation infrastructure and IoT devices.
• Software stack. The software that controls the system is equally important. Select a system that is easy to use and has strong data analysis features.
• Scalability. If you plan to expand your operation, you’ll want a solution that can grow with you.

Install and Setup from a Software Perspective

That’s the most technically challenging stage that may require some knowledge. But fear not. With our instructions and tips, you can do it. 

While the installation process may vary depending on the system you choose, here are some general guidelines:

1. Start with the hardware. Begin by installing the physical components—sensors, smart irrigation controllers, and valves. Place soil moisture sensors in key areas of your field where they can monitor conditions. Install the smart controller near your water supply and connect it to the valves that will control water flow to different zones.
2. Connect the hardware to your network. Most smart irrigation solutions require a stable Wi-Fi and wireless connection. Once the hardware is installed, connect the irrigation controller to your network so the system can communicate with your devices and the cloud, where data will be stored and processed.
3. Install the software. Next, download and install the smart irrigation software on your preferred device (a smartphone, tablet, or computer). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to sync the software with your hardware. This typically involves pairing the controllers and sensors with the app through a simple setup process.
4. Configure your system. Use the software to set up your irrigation zones based on the areas you want to water. Each zone can be programmed differently depending on the needs of the plants, soil type, and sunlight exposure.
5. Input data and set schedules. The software will prompt you to input some data (types of plants in each zone, soil composition, local weather patterns, etc.) to create watering schedules. You can set these schedules manually or allow the system to generate them automatically based on real-time data from sensors.
6. Test and fine-tune. Before going live, test your system to ensure everything is working as expected. Run a few cycles and observe how the water is distributed. If there are some inconsistencies, adjust the settings to fine-tune the system.

Best Practices for Maximizing Efficiency Using Software

The software automates a lot of watering-related tasks, yet it needs regular monitoring and occasional adjustments to perform optimally or adapt to changing conditions in your fields. That said, we want to share some tips that will help you keep smart irrigation software in good shape for the best results.

Program Seasonal Schedules

Plants have different watering needs depending on the season. That’s why you should adjust watering schedules as the seasons change. For example, reduce watering in the cooler months and increase it during the drought conditions in summer. Some systems can do it automatically, but others will need human intervention.

Integrate with Other Smart Devices 

If you have other smart devices, like weather stations or drones, consider integrating them with your irrigation system. By doing so, you’ll increase control over your operations and data-sharing among different monitoring systems. Devices that communicate with each other provide a more accurate picture of your crops’ health and can fine-tune watering scheduling even more precisely.

Monitor and Adjust Regularly 

Regular system monitoring is important because it helps notice sensor malfunctions or software glitches early on and makes timely repairs and adjustments to keep the system working properly.  

Use Predictive Analytics 

Many smart irrigation systems have predictive analytics tools that can forecast future watering needs based on historical water use and weather information. Leverage these features to anticipate dry spells or rainy periods and adjust your schedules proactively to conserve water and protect your plants.

Set Alerts and Notifications 

Enable alerts that will notify you of any issues, such as a drop in water pressure or a sensor malfunction, so you can address problems quickly before they impact your irrigation schedule.

Our Success Stories in Agritech

We are no strangers to the agriculture sector and its challenges. We have cooperated with a couple of agribusinesses and helped them harness technology to simplify their operations and gain the desired efficiency. Here’s one of our works we’re proud of.

Barcode Scanning App Development

Wish Farms, a leading US berry supplier, approached Relevant Software to develop a mobile application that will streamline the berry picking and packing process.

Our team chose React Native to build a weather-proved application from the ground up. To meet the specific needs of Wish Farms, we engineered the app to function flawlessly in various weather conditions and be easily navigable with gloved hands. From a technical standpoint, our engineers designed the app so it can handle thousands of barcode scans per minute. 

The solution we built facilitated berry collection and allowed users to track their harvest progress through all its stages. Our designers did their best to create an app that is easy to use even under glaring sun, heavy rains, or strong winds. 

How Can Relevant Help Grow Your Farming Business?

Every business should strive to conserve water and follow sustainable practices, but agriculture, in particular, bears the largest responsibility. As one of the largest consumers of water globally, the agricultural sector should urgently do something with outdated irrigation methods that cause gallons of water loss and skyrocketing bills. Smart irrigation technology, as well as IoT and AI, help solve many resource management-related issues and not only.

Can you really afford to ignore the benefits of smart irrigation and risk losing out on potential profits? If your answer is no, partner with a software development company like Relevant Software. Whether you’re looking to optimize your irrigation with smart technology, streamline your operations with custom software, or simply make your day-to-day tasks a little easier, we’re here to help. Our expertise in developing customized software for the agribusiness sector can help you:

• Optimize operations: Streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
• Enhance decision-making: Leverage data-driven insights to make informed choices.
• Improve sustainability: Implement sustainable practices to protect the environment and ensure long-term success.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us to thrive in the competitive world of modern agriculture.