DRY FARMING

Dry farming relies on natural rain and arid temperatures. It is
not commonly practiced in California bean farming today due to the water needs of newly released bean varieties. However, dry farming is still practiced in parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Dry Farming vs. Irrigation

 When farming beans, growers can decide based on their location and available resources whether to dry farm or use irrigation.Irrigation is the application of supplemental water to plants in controlled amounts.

Furrow Irrigation Method

The furrow irrigation method provides moisture to the plants by
gravity-flowing water into channels (furrows) between the bean rows. Water is distributed by using gated surface line pipe and/or open ditches with siphon pipes.

DRIP IRRIGATION METHOD

Drip irrigation distributes moisture directly to the bean plants
via buried drip tape. Drip tape is typically buried at a depth of 10
to 12 inches and is the most efficient way to apply water and
plant nutrients.

drip irrigation farming

FLOODING IRRIGATION METHOD

The flood method is occasionally used in the sandy soils of select
parts of California and primarily only with blackeye beans. This
method is rarely used due to its water waste.