Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for - Aseanipm ...

Exercise No. 5.08 187
USING RAISED BEDS AS A MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
AGAINST DISEASES OF ORGANICALLY-GROWN
VEGETABLES
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
Raised beds or plots are usually constructed depending on
the preference of farmers and prevailing field conditions.
However, an ideal raised bed is about 1-m wide, 10-m long,
and 30-cm high. Raised beds are preferred over flat beds in
areas with heavy rainfall and in lower elevation areas where
drainage is poor. It is also advisable in stony areas where
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Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
topsoil is shallow and had to be strapped always to establish right soil depth before planting for
better crop growth.
Raised beds are also easier to work on, neater and less subject to trampling because spaces in between
beds serve as pathways as well. Properly prepared raised beds promote good root development,
conserve soil moisture better, and make drainage more effective, thus minimizing infection of
fungal and bacterial diseases in organic vegetable production 188 .
Farmers through field walks, observations, and participatory discussions in farmer field schools
(FFSs) can share the best practices in raised bed preparation. This approach will allow them to learn
from experiences shared by co-farmers and enable them to further improve effectiveness of raised
beds as a management strategy against diseases of organically-grown vegetables. This exercise was
designed to address this particular concern.
How long will this exercise take?
when is this exercise most
appropriate?
ɶ In FFS, TOT, and VST
sessions, when bed and
plot preparation is about
to start in adjoining and
learning fields; and
ɶ When farmers want to
learn more from cofarmers
about their
improved practices in
raised bed preparation.
• Thirty minutes to one hour field walks, observations, and interaction with farmers; and
• Thirty minutes to one hour hands-on and brainstorming session.
187 Adapted from Callo, Jr., D.P., L.B. Teofilo, and H.A. Tauli (eds). 2002. Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Vegetable IPM, Volume II. SEAMEO
Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. pp238-240.
188 Milagrosa, S.P. 1998. As cited in: Callo, Jr., D.P., L.B. Teofilo, and H.A. Tauli (eds). 2002. Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Vegetable IPM,
Volume II. SEAMEO Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. 366p.