ABSTRACT
The management of wetlands for agriculture by raised beds or raised fields has been practiced extensively by indigenous peoples of the Americas and by Chinese farmers for at least 2,000 years. North American Indians used raised beds in their agriculture before European arrival in several areas of the US. The story of the reconstruction of raised beds originally made by pre-Incan civilizations around Lake Titicaca has received widespread publicity. Raised beds, ridges, and mounds are commonly used in Asia for agriculture, especially in high rainfall and swampy areas. Raised beds are used extensively in California and contribute to the management of the red stele disease of strawberry and various root rots of lettuce. In addition to better water management, the raised beds contributed to flood and frost control. Many home gardeners in the US have become interested in raised beds, and books describing their use are available.
