Irrigation Automation puts your valves, pumps, filters and fertiliser injection under one controller, so blocks open and close on their own and can be run from a phone. Send one request and independent automation installers that may cover your area reply with prices.
Send your number of blocks, valve sizes and pump setup to get automation quotes.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Irrigation Automation Includes
- Controller. A wall-mounted or field unit that runs each block in sequence, with enough stations for current and future blocks.
- Valves. Electric solenoid valves or hydraulic valves with solenoid pilots on each block.
- Wiring or decoders. Multi-core cable, two-wire decoder systems or wireless field units to reach each valve.
- Pump integration. Pump start relays, pressure switches and VSD signals so the pump only runs when a block is open.
- Filter and fertigation integration. Triggering backflush cycles and dosing from the same controller.
- Remote access. GSM, radio or internet links so you can start, stop and check blocks from an app.
Who It Suits
Farms with many blocks, night irrigation, staff shortages or blocks far from the homestead. Also anyone running drip with fertigation, where consistent run times and pump control make a real difference to how evenly water and fertiliser are applied.
System Options
- Stand-alone controller. Lowest cost. Programmed on site, no remote access.
- Remote GSM or app controller. Control and fault alerts from your phone. Needs reliable cellular signal or a radio link.
- Hydraulic vs electric valves. Hydraulic valves suit large flows and long distances. Solenoid pilots still need a power or signal source.
- Wired vs wireless field units. Long cable runs get costly and attract theft and lightning damage. Battery or solar field units avoid cabling.
Deciding how long and how often to irrigate is a separate job. Automation runs the programme you set; it does not choose it.
How the Job Runs
- Site survey. Blocks, valve positions, pump, filters and signal coverage are mapped.
- Proposal. The installer specifies the controller, valves, cabling or radio and a quote.
- Installation. Valves are fitted, cable trenched or field units mounted, and the controller wired in.
- Programming. Blocks, pump interlocks, backflush and dosing are set up to your irrigation programme.
- Training. You and your staff learn to change programmes and read alarms.
Irrigation Automation Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Basic controller, 4 - 24 stations | R3,000 - R25,000 |
| Remote GSM or app controller | R15,000 - R80,000 |
| Solenoid valve, 50 - 80 mm, each | R1,500 - R6,000 |
| Variable speed drive (VSD) for pump control | R8,000 - R60,000 |
| Automated EC/pH fertigation unit | R80,000 - R400,000 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures, rounded, excluding VAT unless stated. They are compiled from published South African cost estimates and typical supplier and contractor rates. They are not our prices or quotations, and no contractor is bound by them. Unless a row says otherwise they exclude the water source, power supply and earthworks, so confirm exactly what each quotation includes.
Sources:
- Typical South African supplier and contractor rates
Get prices for your farm rather than a range. Send one request and compare replies.
Get the Best QuoteWhat Affects the Price
- Number of stations. More blocks need a bigger controller and more valves.
- Distances. Long cable runs or radio repeaters add cost.
- Valve size. Larger valves for high flows cost more each.
- Remote features. App access, alarms and data logging add hardware and sometimes a subscription.
- Integration. Linking pumps, VSDs, filters and dosing needs more wiring and programming time.
Maintenance
Test each valve at the start of the season, clean solenoid filters and pilot tubes, and check cable joints and field unit batteries. Fit surge protection on the controller and keep a record of the programme so it can be restored after a fault.
Irrigation Automation FAQs
Can I automate my existing system?
Usually yes. Manual valves can often be replaced with solenoid or hydraulic valves on the same pipework, and a controller added at the pump.
What if there is no cellular signal on the farm?
Installers can use radio links, a repeater or a stand-alone controller programmed on site.
Does automation decide when to irrigate?
No. It runs the programme you set. Scheduling advice and soil moisture probes are separate services.
How do I protect the system from lightning?
Ask for surge protection on power and signal lines, proper earthing and, on long runs, wireless field units instead of cable.
Related Services
Request automation quotes through Agricultural Irrigation South Africa and compare the controller, valves and remote features each installer offers.
Agricultural Irrigation South Africa is a quote-comparison service. We do not design, supply, install or repair irrigation systems, and we do not employ contractors. Work is quoted and carried out by independent irrigation businesses, and your contract is with the business you choose. Ask each one for a written quotation that names the equipment, design flows and pressures, preparation, timing and any warranty terms before you pay a deposit.
Irrigation Automation. Describe your irrigation job once and compare replies from independent contractors.
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