The initial investment in an irrigation system includes the cost of the system type (e.g., drip, sprinkler, soaker hose), system size and coverage area, water source and pumping requirements, installation labor and materials, and additional features such as automation, filtration, and sensors. Accurately estimating these costs is crucial for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis and ROI calculation. For example, a drip irrigation system may require a higher initial investment due to the complexity of its tubing and emitter design, while a sprinkler system may be more cost-effective for larger areas.