Production on raised beds

The intensive methods of vegetable production are best adapted to those areas with adequate rainfall or where some irrigation or water control is available. When there is adequate water available, the raised beds will produce twice as many vegetables as row crop production with the same amounts of water. So, it can be seen that the methods conserve water. However, it is critical that the farmer have control over the water to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of water. The plants must have sufficient water constantly until they have grown enough leaves to supply shade for their roots and the soil underneath them.

Research has been done on intensive raised bed vegetable production which confirms the productivity of these methods. The research indicates that proper application of the methods will result in four times as many vegetables per acre than the amount produced by farmers using mechanized and conventional agricultural methods. The evidence also indicates that the method uses one-half as much water as that consumed by commercial agriculture per pound of vegetables grown. Chart 5.2 shows the results for four crops which were experimented with by a research group in California, U.S.A.

CHART 5.2: Vegetable Yields of Row Cropping and intensive Gardening Compared

When using the intensive raised bed methods, maximum yields may not be reached the first season. Yields will depend upon the natural fertility and structure of the soil and the farmer's ability to obtain natural and chemical fertilizers to return organic matter and humus to the soil.

Maintaining and increasing production is dependent on the fertility and humus content of the soil. This must not be neglected!