The invention relates to an irrigation control system comprising; at least one porous capsule sensor, a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with the at least one capsule sensor, and a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in gas pressure in the capsule sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to control irrigation. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring soil moisture conditions comprising, providing at least one porous capsule sensor, placing the at least one porous capsule sensor in the ground, pressurizing the at least one porous capsule sensor with gas, and monitoring a gas pressure associated with the at least one porous capsule sensor. The irrigation water is controlled based on the gas pressure in the capsule sensor.