An IoT irrigation controller that waters only when crops need it. Capacitive soil-moisture probes measure water at root depth; a controller opens zone valves just enough to hit target moisture, with hysteresis, time windows, and weather/rain skip. Flow and pressure sensing add leak/stuck-valve protection. Power it from mains or a solar + battery kit.

Parts Used:

1. Controller – Arduino/ESP32 (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) or PLC; RTC for schedules; microSD (optional logs).
2. Connectivity – Wi-Fi (app/dashboard) or GSM/4G for SMS alerts (SIM800/7600).
3. Soil Sensors – Capacitive moisture probes (better than resistive), 1–2 per zone at root depth; optional soil temp.
4. Actuation – 12 V DC latching solenoid valves or standard 24 VAC valves (with driver); relay/MOSFET board.
5. Hydraulics – Pump (if from tank), filter (120–150 mesh) for drip, pressure reducer (1–2 bar drip), air release & flush valves, backflow preventer (if on potable).
6. Sensing – Flow meter (pulse type), line pressure switch/transducer, rain sensor or tipping bucket; tank level (float/ultrasonic).
7. Power – 230 VAC SMPS or solar 50–120 W + 12 V 20–40 Ah battery + charge controller; fuses.
8. Enclosure – IP65 box, glands, surge/ESD protection on long leads, antenna pigtail.
9. UI – Status LEDs, small OLED/touch keys, or phone app.
10. Manifolds – Zone headers, isolation valves, unions for service.
11. Piping – Drip laterals/emitters or sprinklers as per crop.