Smart Irrigation in Northern Cyprus: Transitioning from Mechanical Valves to Remote-Controlled Solenoid Valves

A solenoid valve is an electromechanical valve that opens and closes via electrical signals, forming the core component of smart irrigation systems. When integrated with IoT sensors and automation controls, it delivers 35-50% water savings, offering an effective solution to Northern Cyprus's water scarcity problem.

Available in normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) configurations, solenoid valves operate on 12V or 24V DC/AC voltage and can be easily integrated into LoRaWAN-based remote control systems.

What Are the Problems with Traditional Irrigation Systems?

Given Northern Cyprus's water scarcity, traditional irrigation methods present serious disadvantages:

• Manual control requirement: Each open/close operation requires physically visiting the valve
• Timing errors: Over- or under-irrigation due to the human factor
• Water waste: Valves that cannot be controlled at night or on weekends
• Labor costs: Significant time loss, especially in large greenhouses
• Lack of data: No records of how much water was used or when irrigation occurred

With an annual per capita water availability of just 391 m3, placing it in the "absolute water scarcity" category, these problems in Northern Cyprus become not just a farmer's issue, but a concern for the entire society.

What Is a Solenoid Valve?

A solenoid valve is a modern valve type that controls water flow using an electromagnetic coil. It opens or closes when it receives an electrical signal, enabling remote control.

Key advantages:

• Remote control: Operated from a mobile phone, computer, or automated systems
• Precise timing: Opening/closing with second-level precision
• Sensor integration: Automatic irrigation with soil moisture sensors
• Data logging: Every irrigation event can be recorded
• Energy efficiency: Modern latching valves consume very little power

What Are the Solenoid Valve Types and Which Should You Choose?

Solenoid valves fall into two main categories: Non-latching (continuous power) and Latching (pulse power). This distinction is critically important for Northern Cyprus's rural agricultural conditions.

Non-Latching Valves

These valves require continuous electricity to remain open. They close automatically when power is cut -- a feature that can be advantageous for safety. However:

• They draw a continuous 150-500mA current
• Wired connection is mandatory
• Cannot be operated on battery power
• Overheating issues may occur
• Up to 8 valves can be connected to a single control module -- cost advantage in wired systems

Suitable use: Greenhouses with electrical infrastructure, short-distance wired systems, large facilities requiring multiple valves

Latching (Pulse) Valves

These valves receive only a brief electrical pulse (50ms) at the moment of opening and closing. They maintain their position with a magnetic latch:

• 36,000 times less energy consumption
• Can operate for 5-10 years on a single battery
• Ideal for wireless IoT systems
• Full independence with solar panels

Suitable use: LoRaWAN systems, remote fields, wireless automation

Recommendation for Northern Cyprus: Latching valves should definitely be chosen for areas without electrical infrastructure or remote agricultural fields. Although the initial investment cost is slightly higher, they are far more advantageous in terms of operating costs and flexibility.

Which Wireless Technologies Control Solenoid Valves?

Three fundamental wireless technologies are available for remotely controlling solenoid valves. The advantages and disadvantages of each should be evaluated according to Northern Cyprus's conditions.

WiFi-Based Systems

WiFi offers easy setup in home environments but has serious limitations for agricultural use:

• Range: Maximum 50-100 meters
• Power consumption: High -- impractical with batteries
• Infrastructure: Router and internet connection required
• Cost: Low startup, high operating

Suitable for small home gardens and small greenhouses with internet connectivity.

LoRaWAN Technology

LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a technology specifically designed for agricultural IoT:

• Range: 5-15 km in rural areas, 2-5 km in urban areas
• Power consumption: Ultra-low -- 5-10 years on battery
• Infrastructure: Dozens of devices with a single gateway
• Cost: Medium startup, low operating (no SIM card required)

In Northern Cyprus's Guzelyurt, Iskele, and Famagusta regions, extensive agricultural areas can be covered with a single gateway.

4G/LTE Solutions

Cellular connectivity offers the advantage of working everywhere, but:

• Range: As far as operator coverage
• Power consumption: Medium-high -- may require solar
• Infrastructure: SIM card and data plan required
• Cost: High startup + monthly subscription

Can be considered for very remote and dispersed locations, but in Northern Cyprus, LoRaWAN is generally a more economical solution.

Why Are LoRaWAN and Latching Valves Recommended for Northern Cyprus?

When all factors are evaluated, the most suitable combination for Northern Cyprus agriculture is:

1. Latching solenoid valves -- Low power consumption, long lifespan
2. LoRaWAN communication -- Wide coverage, low cost
3. Soil moisture sensors -- Smart irrigation decisions
4. Cloud platform -- Remote monitoring and control

This system provides the following benefits:

Feature	Value
Coverage area	5-10 km radius (single gateway)
Battery life	5+ years
Water savings	35-50%
Installation time	1-2 days
ROI period	12-18 months

What Is the Installation and Cost of a Solenoid Valve System?

Basic System Components (for a 1,000 m2 greenhouse)

Component	Unit Price	Qty	Total
Latching solenoid valve (1")	60-90 EUR	4	240-360 EUR
LoRaWAN valve controller	80-120 EUR	4	320-480 EUR
Soil moisture sensor	100-120 EUR	4	400-480 EUR
LoRaWAN Gateway	300-500 EUR	1	300-500 EUR
Cloud platform (annual)	100-200 EUR	1	100-200 EUR
Installation and training	300-500 EUR	1	300-500 EUR
Total			1,660-2,520 EUR

Return on Investment Calculation

Typical savings scenario for a 1,000 m2 greenhouse:

• Water savings: Annual 150-200 m3 x 1.2 EUR/m3 = 180-240 EUR
• Labor savings: 1 hour/day x 300 days x 5 EUR/hour = 1,500 EUR/year
• Yield increase: 500-1,000 EUR additional income from 15-20% yield improvement

Total annual savings: 2,180-2,740 EUR

Payback period: 6-12 months

This calculation is based on Northern Cyprus's water costs and labor rates. For larger greenhouses, the payback period is even shorter due to economies of scale.

In Which Scenarios Is Smart Irrigation Applied?

Scenario 1: Guzelyurt Citrus Orchard

A 5-donum citrus orchard with 8 irrigation valves. With a LoRaWAN system:

• All valves controlled with a single gateway
• Automatic irrigation with soil moisture sensors
• 24/7 monitoring via mobile app
• 40% annual water savings

Scenario 2: Iskele Greenhouse Complex

Tomato production in 3 greenhouses of 500 m2 each:

• 4 irrigation zones per greenhouse
• Precision fertigation with EC and pH sensors
• Night irrigation with timers
• 25% yield increase

Scenario 3: Famagusta Potato Field

A 10-donum field, 2 km from the water source:

• Solar-powered latching valves
• Control from 2 km away via LoRaWAN
• No cables or electrical connections whatsoever
• Full control without visiting the field

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add solenoid valves to my existing drip irrigation system?

Yes, absolutely. Your system can be made smart by installing solenoid valves at the beginning of your existing drip irrigation lines. Your existing PE pipes and drippers continue to be used.

Will this system work in a field without electricity?

Latching valves and LoRaWAN sensors run on batteries. The only power requirement is for the gateway -- which can be supplied by a solar panel. A completely grid-independent system can be set up.

I don't have an internet connection. What can I do?

LoRaWAN gateways can operate with a 4G modem. Only mobile data is needed for the gateway. Sensors and valves communicate with the gateway via LoRa radio.

Is there a frost risk in winter?

There is no significant frost risk in Northern Cyprus's mild climate. Nevertheless, valves should be mounted below ground level and adequate drainage should be ensured.

What happens if the system malfunctions?

Latching valves maintain their last position. Even if communication is lost, an open valve stays open and a closed valve stays closed. For critical applications, a fail-safe (closes when power is cut) non-latching valve can be preferred.

Conclusion: What Is the First Step for Smart Irrigation in Northern Cyprus?

Efficient use of water resources in Northern Cyprus is no longer a choice but a necessity. Transitioning from mechanical valves to solenoid valves delivers not just convenience, but significant water savings and yield improvements.

With LoRaWAN-based smart irrigation systems:

• Control your remote fields from home
• Reduce your water consumption by 35-50%
• Lower your labor costs
• Make data-driven farming decisions
• Invest in a sustainable future

Modern technology offers a practical and economical solution to Northern Cyprus farmers' greatest challenge -- water scarcity.

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At Olivenet, we offer smart irrigation solutions tailored to Northern Cyprus and the Mediterranean region. Visit our contact page or reach out for a free discovery consultation to learn more about our LoRaWAN-based solenoid valve control systems, soil moisture sensors, and cloud platforms.