An irrigation system comprises an irrigation zone, a controller, a valve, one or more pipes and at least one ground sensor. The system of pipes is connected to the value, which is operable to read water quantity per unit time. The ground sensors determine water flow and absorption by observing changes in surface temperature. The controller is in communication with the ground sensors and regulates water flow to the irrigation zone based on the readings from the ground sensors. The controller is programmed to deliver a predetermined volume of water and the ground sensor uses an infrared thermometer.