A self-regulating irrigation system utilizing a hydro-expansive material to regulate fluid flow. an irrigation control valve that includes (i) a sprinkler with a control valve, wherein said control valve comprises a control spring and a diaphragm located within the sprinkler head, (ii) a base extending down from said sprinkler head, and (iii) a hydro-expansive control membrane attached to the diaphragm and the base. The hydro-expansive control membrane is a length of hydro-expansive material that is short enough and strong enough to overcome the force of the control spring when the control membrane is dry, yet long enough that it will extend when wet so that the force of the control spring overcomes the force of the control membrane to close the diaphragm.
