Range planting is a technique for improving vegetation composition and the productivity of plants on rangelands where the desirable vegetation is less than what is needed to support natural reseeding and regeneration. Woody and herbaceous species which meet the ecological requirements for the land are seeded and established using appropriate planting methods, and then monitored to assess their success or failure.
Range planting provides and improves foraging vegetation for livestock and cover vegetation for wildlife habitats. It can reduce the vulnerability of rangeland soil to erosion from wind and water while enabling it to sequester carbon to further boost its nutrient and organic contents. Introducing vegetation can also restore the soil's hydraulic functions by increasing its capacity for effective water infiltration and ability to retain moisture.
Learn more about the details of range planting on the CA Field Office Technical Guide website.
The following sections highlight some of the most applicable and effective methods for the Sacramento region and provide access to additional sources to learn more.