ratchet 64 from its recess 60 and controls using the signals from position sensor 42 and then commands the electronically controlled actuator 40 to move the output 52 into a position corresponding to the desired position of the electronically controlled member 54 the roots 26 of plant 28 are thus irrigated with a desired amount of water once the desired moisture of soil 30 is achieved moisture sensitive element 32 expands and moves the moisture controlled member 34 into a position in which it in cooperation with the electrically controlled member 54 closes the conduit 12 a preferred embodiment of the valve 10 is shown in fig6 to 8 fig6 shows a sectional side view of the valve 10 while fig7 represents a horizontal section through the valve 10 along lines 7 7 of fig6 the housing 78 is cylindrical and has a point 80 at its bottom end for easier insertion into the soil 30 within the housing 78 a removable cartridge 82 is inserted into a central hollow part of housing 78 defined by an inner cylindrical wall 84 inlet 14 and outlet 16 are on opposite sides on top of the housing 78 between the outer circumference of the housing 78 and the inner wall 84 four chambers 86 88 90 and 92 are defined by separating walls 94 cartridge 82 supports an easy exchange of the members 34 and 54 and or.