In this article, the theoretical and methodological foundations for the use of an automated control system for drip irrigation of crops are considered. The analyzed system is automated through integration, which allows controlling the entire irrigation process through a control device with controllers, shows the main elements of the drip irrigation system that carry out complete controlling and the procedure for moistening the soil and fertilizing, presents a functional diagram of the automated system for regulating soil moisture, as well as pressure in the pipeline, mathematical modeling of water consumption of crops under drip and combined irrigation is considered, the influencing factors that require regulation, which will ensure the management of plant development are shown. The complexity of the simulated system “Plant-moisture-soil-atmosphere-solar radiation” and its subsystems are explained by a large number of interrelated factors of various nature and requires the construction of numerical schemes, computer simulation using various computer programs.