An irrigation management system monitors irrigation parameters, including progress of flood irrigation water admitted onto a farm field, water levels in ditches, basins or boxes, soil moisture, water usage and other important factors. In flood irrigation a series of small, inexpensive sensors detect the presence in each of the sensor locations in a field, and each sends a signal when water first reaches the sensor. In a preferred form the sensor communicates by long-range radio communication either directly with a hub or gateway, or by sending a transmission that is relayed from location to location and ultimately to the hub or gateway. All aspects of irrigation water need, availability, task completion, pipe and equipment status, and water usage are monitored and communicated to the farmer. The system allows efficient water management and reliable and responsible irrigation at all irrigated fields.
