Assessment of Key Performance Indicators for Raised-Bed and Flat Planting in Egypt’s Irrigated Drylands: Insights from Farmer Field Surveys

Abstract

Raised bed planting is increasingly promoted in Egypt’s irrigated drylands as a water-saving alternative to conventional flat planting with flood irrigation. To assess its on-farm performance, we surveyed 1,645 wheat fields across 21 major wheat-producing governorates in the Nile Delta and Valley (Old Lands), of which 249 farmers had adopted raised beds with furrow irrigation. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected detailed information on agronomic practices, input use, costs, and yields under farmers’ management. Compared with flat planting, raised beds improved nitrogen use efficiency by about 30%, increased water productivity by 15.5%, enhanced grain yield by 7%, and raised net profit by 11%, while reducing greenhouse gas intensity by 24%. However, labor productivity declined by 41%, largely due to the manual effort required for bed formation. The results highlight raised beds as a promising option for sustainable wheat intensification in water-scarce environments, provided scale-appropriate mechanization services are available.