Farmers carefully match the type of irrigation system with the needs of their farm. Picking the right irrigation system is critical to be able to use water efficiently according to specific crop needs. Irrigation is more complex than just putting water in the fields, it’s a careful balance of plant health and vitality, groundwater recharge, and deliberate stewardship of a limited resource.

Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to a plant’s roots, allowing for precise control of how much and where water is applied. Timers can be used to schedule watering for the cooler parts of the day, helping reduce water loss, while special equipment helps apply fertilizers and supplements through the drip tube. Properly installed drip irrigation has the potential to provide many water-efficiency benefits and can even contribute to increased crop yields.

Many types of conventional irrigation, often called gravity-fed as they don’t use electricity or fuel to pressurize the water, can also be used on farms in California. In addition to using less energy, gravity-fed irrigation can also help to recharge groundwater, an important reserve for dry years.