Irrigated Pastures

Humboldt County has some of the most productive pastures and rangeland in the United States due to our temperate, climate, fertile soils, and abundant rainfall. Pasture production can be improved by using improved varieties of grass and clover and by fertilizing.

Drip irrigation can be used to water trees, plants in containers, raised beds, and many other landscape situations. The amount of water needed and frequency of application varies greatly depending on plant species, soil conditions, and the local environment.

While rains in February and March have contributed to rising reservoirs and mountain snowpack, the fact remains that California is in a drought.

Water requirements of landscape plants change throughout the year. Daylength, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed all affect the loss of water from soil and plants. In the absence of rain, these losses must be replenished by irrigating.

Got gardening questions? Find out about the variety of ways to contact us and get answers.

Yearly drip system maintenance is especially important to make sure plants are receiving the water they require and that none is being wasted. Check the system early in spring before it is turned on for spring-summer irrigation. This would include opening the end caps and flushing the system.

UC Master Gardeners of Butte County offers workshops in a variety of topics during the spring and fall months.

Sonoma County Master Gardeners are here to help! Garden Sense is a free program for Sonoma County residents who want to learn how to create a beautiful and sustainable garden that conserves water. We make home visits and provide information on low-water-use plant selection and irrigation.

Butte County Master Gardeners share research based knowledge and information on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices through workshops, presentations, and programs.

How to manage your drip irrigation system Irrigation control systems are used to ensure a desired level of moisture is maintained for the plants with or without the presence of a human operator. Beyond the basic components of a drip system, there are ways to manage the system as a whole.