Methods and systems for improved irrigation sensor and control communication

A method of upgrading an existing irrigation system, with existing wiring installed between an irrigation controller and a zone valve, to increase its sensing and control capability without disturbing most of the existing wiring, the method comprising:

• installing a controller module between an irrigation controller and a zone valve and physically proximate to the irrigation controller without disturbing most of the existing wiring between the irrigation controller and the zone valve, such that the controller module is electrically coupled to the irrigation controller;
• installing a field module between the controller module and the zone valve without disturbing most of the existing wiring between the irrigation controller and the zone valve, such that the field module is electrically coupled to the zone valve;
• installing at least one sensor such that the at least one sensor is communicatively coupled to the field module;
• installing at least one master valve such that the master valve is communicatively coupled to the field module;
• and
• communicatively coupling the controller module and the field module primarily using the existing wiring.