Smart Irrigation

What Is an Irrigation Zone?

An irrigation zone is a defined area managed as one watering section, with its own watering settings.

A controller sends separate signals to valves A and B. Valve A supplies two sprinklers; valve B supplies two emitters. Each valve operates its outlets as a group. — Conventional valve-controlled example: each valve supplies one group of outlets. Software-mapped zones may use a different arrangement. Not to scale.

How to Understand It

In a conventional valve-controlled system, a zone valve supplies a group of sprinklers or emitters together. Some smart irrigation systems instead define zones as mapped areas with separate watering settings, without a dedicated valve for each area. Grouping plants with similar water needs helps match watering to the landscape. A zone is a watering section, not simply a controller start time.

Related terms

Drip Irrigation
Irrigation Controller
Sprinkler Head

Learn more

Why Is One Zone Underperforming?
Sprinkler Zone Calculator

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