Permanent raised beds
Raised bed planter in operation. Source: Jat 2012
Rice planted in furrows and vegetables on raised bed. Source: Mani et al., 2017
- Alternate ridges and furrows are a system of
cultivation where the land is ploughed, harrowed, levelled and then ridges and
furrows are formed with the help of furrow openers.
- 75 to 100 cm wide ridges are formed between furrows.
For better drainage of the excess rainwater, the furrows are made along the
natural slope of the field.
- The preparation of raised beds is done with the help
of a disc harrow after preparatory tillage. The raised bed planter opens
furrows and makes raised beds simultaneously.
- Furrow irrigation is more efficient than flat
surface irrigation, and the plant roots inside ridges are well supplied with
moisture and adequate aeration for the plants to grow robust and healthy.
- Fertilizers will be placed on the sides of ridges
which gives the higher nutrient use efficiency.
- Ridges and furrows system will be most useful to
drain excess flood water during periods of heavy rainfall in areas with high
rainfall. The excess water can be stored in a farm pond strategically located
and the water can be used for irrigating crops in the dry season.
- It also helps in mitigating losses due to abiotic stresses
like salinity and submergence.
- Raised beds with tide ridges play a significant role in in-situ soil moisture conservation and also improve crop productivity.
- Raised beds saved about 15% - 24% of irrigation water
(Naresh et al., 2014).