ISO 21622-1:2026

Irrigation techniques — Remote monitoring and control for irrigation — Part 1: General considerations

This document defines the general considerations applicable to any type of remote monitoring and control system (RMCS) used in irrigation. The document also includes some specific clauses on RMCS that fully or partially incorporate controllers developed for irrigation. These controllers are specific hardware developments designed for specific irrigation monitoring and/or control requirements. An indication is given at the beginning of each section that clearly defines when it is specifically intended for controllers developed for irrigation.

Techniques d’irrigation — Surveillance et commande à distance pour l’irrigation — Partie 1: Considérations générales

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 16-Apr-2026
• ICS: 65.060.35 - Irrigation and drainage equipment
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 23/SC 18 - Irrigation and drainage equipment and systems
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 23/SC 18/WG 8 - Remote monitoring and control technologies
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 17-Apr-2026
• Due Date: 26-Oct-2026
• Completion Date: 17-Apr-2026

Relations

• Consolidated By: ISO 642:2024 - Steel — Hardenability test by end quenching (Jominy test)
• Effective Date: 03-Dec-2022

Overview

ISO 21622-1:2026 sets out the foundational principles and general considerations for remote monitoring and control systems (RMCS) in irrigation applications. Developed by ISO, this international standard addresses the selection, design, classification, and characterization of RMCS, ensuring they are suitable for managing irrigation entities that are often dispersed and unattended. The document covers both general-purpose automation devices and controllers specifically developed for irrigation needs, taking into account the unique challenges of the irrigation environment, such as energy constraints, environmental robustness, and communication requirements.

Key Topics

• Definition and Scope of RMCS in Irrigation:
  RMCS comprise hardware and software solutions that monitor and/or control irrigation processes, including water intake, distribution, and application.

• Types, Classification, and Characterization:
  The standard introduces a structured approach to categorize RMCS based on their functionality, communications, power supply, and technical maintenance needs.

  • Types: Four types, ranging from systems focused only on monitoring (Type 0) to those capable of distributed control and local algorithm execution (Type 3).
  • Classification: Establishes codes for communication refresh times and power supply details, helping users quickly compare different RMCS products.
  • Characterization: Expands classification with detailed communication technologies, power generator specs, and energy accumulator types.

• Design Parameters for Irrigation RMCS:
  With irrigation installations typically spread over wide areas, RMCS must deliver dependable operation under varying and often harsh environmental conditions.

  • Environmental Robustness: Devices must meet specified ingress protection (IP) ratings for dust and water, as established by standards such as IEC 60529.
  • Architecture Flexibility: Supports different network topologies and communication technologies, including wireless and wired solutions.

• Special Considerations for Controllers Developed for Irrigation:
  The standard includes specific recommendations for the hardware and firmware of irrigation controllers, which may be proprietary and tailored only for certain application scenarios.

Applications

ISO 21622-1:2026 is valuable for a broad range of stakeholders involved in irrigation projects, including system integrators, equipment manufacturers, farm operators, and irrigation network managers. Practical applications include:

• Design and Procurement:
  Clearly defines criteria for evaluating and selecting remote monitoring and control systems suitable for diverse irrigation environments.

• System Implementation:
  Provides a basis for specifying required levels of environmental protection, power supply, communication refresh rates, and runtime capabilities for RMCS deployed in the field.

• Maintenance and Upgrades:
  The classification and characterization framework supports efficient maintenance planning and simplifies the process of upgrading or replacing system components.

• Interoperability and Future Expansion:
  Although part 1 focuses on general considerations, the structured approach to classification facilitates interoperability and integration with other standards-based solutions.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance and integration, ISO 21622-1:2026 should be used alongside other key standards, including:

• ISO 21622-3 - Irrigation techniques - Remote monitoring and control for irrigation - Part 3: Interoperability
• IEC 60529 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
• IEC 60870 series - Telecontrol equipment and systems, addressing operating conditions and communication protocols
• IEC 61131 - Applicable where RMCS utilize programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Conclusion

Implementing ISO 21622-1:2026 enables organizations to ensure that their remote monitoring and control systems for irrigation are reliable, robust, and appropriately classified for their specific use case. The standard provides a valuable framework for selecting, deploying, and maintaining advanced RMCS, supporting the efficiency and sustainability of modern irrigation practices. By following this standard, stakeholders can enhance the dependability and longevity of irrigation control networks, while ensuring alignment with international best practices and related technical standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

International
Standard
ISO 21622-1
First edition
Irrigation techniques — Remote
2026-04
monitoring and control for
irrigation —
Part 1:
General considerations
Techniques d’irrigation — Surveillance et commande à distance
pour l’irrigation —
Partie 1: Considérations générales
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Remote monitoring and control system (RMCS) type, classification and characterization . 5
4.1 General .5
4.2 Field 1: RMCS type.5
4.2.1 General .5
4.2.2 Type 0 RMCS (Type0) .5
4.2.3 Type 1 RMCS (Type1) .5
4.2.4 Type 2 RMCS (Type2) .6
4.2.5 Type 3 RMCS (Type3) .6
4.3 Field 2: RMCS classification .6
4.4 Field 3: RMCS characterization .7
5 RMCS design parameters . 9
5.1 General .9
5.2 General criteria .9
5.3 Environmental robustness .9
5.4 Architecture .10
5.4.1 General .10
5.4.2 Data availability .11
5.4.3 Time required for discrete actuations .11
5.5 Communication technologies and protocols .11
5.6 Communication interfaces . 12
5.7 Signal connections . 12
5.8 Data transmission modes . 12
5.8.1 General . 12
5.8.2 Devices unable to initiate data transmission . 12
5.8.3 Devices able to initiate data transmission . 12
5.9 Power supply . 13
5.10 Runtime . . . 13
5.11 Supported sensors and actuators . 13
5.12 Wiring specifications .14
5.12.1 General requirements .14
5.12.2 Wire sizing .14
5.12.3 For analog inputs and outputs .14
5.12.4 For field buses .14
5.13 Safety.14
5.14 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements .14
6 RMCS specifications .15
6.1 System specifications . 15
6.1.1 General . 15
6.1.2 Requirements . 15
6.1.3 Recommendations. 15
6.2 Hardware specifications for controllers developed for irrigation . 15
6.2.1 Requirements . 15
6.2.2 Recommendations.16
6.3 Supervisory and control software specifications .16
6.3.1 General .16
6.3.2 Requirements .16
6.3.3 Recommendations.16

iii
7 Documentation . 17
Bibliography .18

iv
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
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related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 23, Tractors and machinery for agriculture and
forestry, Subcommittee SC 18, Irrigation and drainage equipment and systems.
A list of all parts in the ISO 21622 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

v
Introduction
In this document, any telecontrol system intended to control and/or monitor processes related to irrigation,
is referred to as remote monitoring and control system (RMCS). Different control devices can be used to
monitor and control an irrigation entity. The different requirements and constrains of the different irrigation
entities will determine and guide the choice of the type of device required in each case.
Monitoring and control of an irrigation entity may be based on different controller technologies (or a
combination thereof) and monitoring data provided by third parties available in the cloud. Some of these
technologies can be used for other purposes unrelated to irrigation. This is the case of programmable
logic controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), industrial personal computers (IPCs) or single
board computers (SBCs), among others. They are normally non-specialized hardware solutions subject to
international standards, such as IEC 61131, using standard programming languages and communication
protocols and supporting other kinds of automation logic. As non-specialized hardware solutions, the
majority are subject to other standards required in industry.
On the other hand, there are controllers that have been developed specifically for irrigation purposes, with
similar capabilities to non-specialized technologies, but which have not been subject to a standardization
process until now.
vi
International Standard ISO 21622-1:2026(en)
Irrigation techniques — Remote monitoring and control for
irrigation —
Part 1:
General considerations
1 Scope
This document defines the general considerations applicable to any type of remote monitoring and control
system (RMCS) used in irrigation.
The document also includes some specific clauses on RMCS that fully or partially incorporate controllers
developed for irrigation. These controllers are specific hardware developments designed for specific
irrigation monitoring and/or control requirements.
An indication is given at the beginning of each section that clearly defines when it is specifically intended for
controllers developed for irrigation.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 21622-3, Irrigation techniques — Remote monitoring and control for irrigation — Part 3: Interoperability
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures
IEC 60870-1-1, Telecontrol equipment and systems — Part 1: General considerations — Section One: General
principles
IEC 60870-2-1, Telecontrol equipment and systems — Part 1: Operating conditions — Section 1: Power supply
and electromagnetic compatibility
IEC 60870-2-2, Telecontrol equipment and systems — Part 2: Operating conditions — Section 2: Environmental
conditions (climatic, mechanical and othernon electrical influences)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
accumulator
reusable electrical battery which can be charged, discharged with a load, and recharged multiple times

3.2
availability
ability to be in a state to perform as required
[SOURCE: IEV 192-01-23]
3.3
characterization
establishment of descriptive characteristics for some critical components related to communications and
energy supply and relevant to maintenance purposes
3.4
classification
process of establishing descriptive classes of RMCS for irrigation, based on basic information about their
behaviour, in terms of communications and runtime, that is expected at the time they were purchased or
deployed
3.5
component
constituent part of a device which cannot be physically divided into smaller parts without losing its
particular function
[SOURCE: IEV 151-11-21]
3.6
concentrator station
station in a hierarchical telecontrol network where the monitored information coming from outstations is
concentrated for transmission to the master station and where the command information is distributed to
the outstations
Note 1 to entry: In irrigation, this kind of station can also execute the functionalities assigned to a remote station, in
addition to the functionalities related to the RMCS communications.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-371-06]
3.7
control centre
place where a master station is located
Note 1 to entry: In irrigation, the control centre may be located in local installations or in the cloud.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-371]
3.8
controller developed for irrigation
electronic controller designed specifically to monitor and control one or more irrigation entity types
Note 1 to entry: In addition to other controllers, a controller developed for irrigation can execute the specific control
tasks required, including input monitoring and output control to perform it. This kind of device may use different
strategies to manage its outputs and inputs, as well as proprietary protocols and programming languages. In this case,
its use shall be limited to monitoring and controlling the irrigation entities for the purpose for which it was designed.
The functionalities of a controller developed for irrigation is normally limited to those that are supported by its
firmware. This means that only the developer/manufacturer of that firmware is able to add or modify functionalities.
3.9
dependability
ability to perform as and when required
[SOURCE: IEV 192-01-22]
3.10
device
material element or assembly of the elements that are intended to perform a required function.
Note 1 to entry: In an RMCS, a device is each of the hardware pieces that comprise a system, which are normally:
— Master stations to establish communication links;
— Concentrator stations for data retrieving purposes; and
— Remote stations to control irrigation entities.
Note 2 to entry: A device may form part of a larger device.
[SOURCE: IEV 151-11-20]
3.11
failure
inability to perform as required
[SOURCE: IEV 192-03-01]
3.12
firmware
software contained in a read-only memory device
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-192-01]
3.13
irrigation entity
generic name given to a set of equipment designed and built to perform one or more processes related to
irrigation
Note 1 to entry: These processes include, among others, irrigation water intake, adaptation, distribution and
application.
Note 2 to entry: An irrigation entity is represented in the physical model, and characterized by a series of properties.
An irrigation entity partially or fully executes a process, depending on the level it occupies in the physical model.
3.14
master station
station which performs the control of outstations
Note 1 to entry: In irrigation, this control may be limited to the communication management, without it being
necessary to locate any other operational functionality at this level.
Note 2 to entry: In irrigation, this station need not be a device but a software function.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-371-06-01]
3.15
recoverability
ability to recover from a failure without corrective maintenance
[SOURCE: IEV 192-01-25]
3.16
relay station
radio station which re-transmits a signal carrying the same information as the received signal immediately
or after a delay
[SOURCE: IEV 713-08-06]
3.17
reliability
probability of performing as required for a time interval (t1, t2), under given conditions
[SOURCE: IEV 192-05-05]
3.18
reliability
ability to perform as required, without failure, for a given time interval and under given
conditions
[SOURCE: IEV 192-01-24]
3.19
remote station
station which is monitored or commanded and monitored by a master station
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-371-06]
3.20
remote monitoring and control system for irrigation
RMCS
set of hardware devices and software programs used to monitor and/or control – according to predefined
parameters or user decisions – one or more irrigation entities of the physical model
Note 1 to entry: The usual components of an RMCS are:
— A control application linking data transmission/acquisition and process control; and
— Remote stations.
Note 2 to entry: Additional components may include:
— Front-end communication;
— Concentrator stations; and
— Other intermediate elements such as relay stations, which may be necessary for communication purposes in
retransmitting and/or reducing signal noise.
3.21
runtime
amount of time, in days, during which an RMCS connected to an irrigation entity can continue to operate
without further energy input
EXAMPLE A device connected to a primary 8 Ah battery has an average energy consumption of 0,5 mAh. Based on
this consumption, and assuming that the primary battery is fully charged, its runtime is 16 000 hours (666,67 days).
3.22
software
programs, procedures, rules, documentation and data of an information processing system
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-192-01-07]
3.23
telecontrol
control of operational equipment at a distance using the transmission of information by telecommunication
techniques
Note 1 to entry: Telecontrol may comprise any combination of command, alarm, indication, metering, protection and
tripping facilities without using speech messages.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-371-01]
4 Remote monitoring and control system (RMCS) type, classification and
characterization
4.1 General
All RMCS can be typified, classified and characterized for descriptive purposes, making it easier for the user
to understand and compare the characteristics of different products as well as the maintenance routines.
The classification and characterization are based on the most critical design parameters for the
geographically-dispersed and isolated conditions that normally exist in irrigation environments:
communications and runtime.
This document proposes the use of codes to typify, classify and characterize an RMCS. The codes shall
contain three fields made up of others:
— Field 1. Related to the RMCS type;
— Field 2. Related to the RMCS class; and
— Field 3. Related to the RMCS characteristics.
For the classification and characterization of an RMCS, multiple power supply and communication options
may be available. In this case, the manufacturer should identify and list them all as part of their product
catalogue. When an option is purchased, the product documentation shall provide information about which
of the possible options it is. When an RMCS does not combine options, the classification and characterization
data shall be valid for the entire RMCS. In the event that the purchase includes two or more options for the
same solution, the manufacturer shall inform the user about those that were purchased, associating each
device with its classification and characterization.
4.2 Field 1: RMCS type
4.2.1 General
The type field establishes descriptive types of RMCS for irrigation, according to their minimum requirements.
The types defined for RMCS for irrigation are based on the minimum requirements established for Type0
RMCS. All other types include Type0 requirements and are related to telecontrol systems with different
reliability levels.
4.2.2 Type 0 RMCS (Type0)
The minimum requirement for this type of RMCS is the ability to monitor the field sensors. Type0 corresponds
to a remote monitoring system without control functions. This type of system includes:
— telemetry systems designed to transmit the values of measure variables from sensors using
telecommunication techniques as defined by IEC 60050-371-01; or
— telemonitoring systems designed to remotely supervise the status of operational equipment using
telecommunication techniques as defined by IEC 60050-371-01.
4.2.3 Type 1 RMCS (Type1)
This type of RMCS is defined by the control functions in its software layer being required to send commands
directly to the actuators under its control. Type1 RMCS is for use in non- critical irrigation entities since its
reliability resides exclusively in its software layer. This system type corresponds to telecontrol systems.

4.2.4 Type 2 RMCS (Type2)
This type of RMCS is defined by the inclusion of concentrator stations supporting the execution of algorithms
and control loops. The Type2 RMCS is more reliable than the Type1 since it distributes the tasks among the
different system devices. This type of system corresponds to telecontrol systems.
4.2.5 Type 3 RMCS (Type3)
This type of system is defined by the capability of its remote stations to execute algorithms and control
loops. It maximizes reliability, making it possible to execute procedures previously sent to the receiving
device, even if other levels of its architecture are not available when the procedure starts or ends. This
system type corresponds to telecontrol systems.
4.3 Field 2: RMCS classification
The classification identifies the basic specifications of an RMCS and defines the expected behaviour of the
RMCS in data refresh terms. In addition, the information related to the power supply provides details about
the energy source of the RMCS devices. The classification code contains data about the communications and
power supply. Each classification code contains two fields with letters and numbers.
— First field, related to communications. The first field contains a Class ID (letter from Table 1) corresponding
to the maximum refresh time for all the irrigation entity data, followed by a 3-figure integer (from 000 to
999), related to the maximum time required to identify and communicate events, indicated in seconds.
— Second field, related to power supply. The second field contains a Class ID (letter from Table 2)
corresponding to the system power generator, followed by a 4-figure number (from 0 000 to 9 999),
related to the runtime provided by the accumulator, indicated in days.
Table 1 — Classification Class ID for communications
Class ID Class definition (maximum refresh time)
A t ≤ 1 second
B 1 s < t ≤ 1 minute
C 1 minute < t ≤ 15 minutes
D 15 minutes < t ≤ 1 hour
E 1 hour < t ≤ 24 hours
F t > 24 hours
Table 2 — Classification Class ID for power supply generators
Class ID Class definition
A No generator
B Kinetic generator
C Electricity grid
D Hydro turbine
E Wind generator
F Photovoltaic panel
G Generator set
H-N Available for new power supply generator classes. Not to be used when the
RMCS uses a technology included in this table.
This list may be extended by adding new power generator technologies (from H to N).

4.4 Field 3: RMCS characterization
The characterization of an RMCS identifies technical specifications for maintenance purposes.
The characterization code contains extended data about communications and power supply. Each
characterization code contains three fields with letters and numbers.
— First field, related to communications. The first field contains a Class ID (letter) and Subclass ID (2-figure
number), bo
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