This report presented the results of simulations of water and solute transport in permanent raised beds (PRBs). As well as a generic research on modelling of raised beds the team undertook four case studies - one each in China, India, Pakistan and Indonesia - related to projects already funded by ACIAR. The work also included assimilation of data, estimation of soil properties, collation of climate data and estimation of crop rooting patterns. Simple models were developed for estimating optimal bed width for wetting by furrow irrigation, and drainage of beds when low permeability soils occur at the base of the beds.

The work highlighted some potential advantages and disadvantages of permanent raised beds and the need for further modelling and experimental work. The main advantages determined for permanent raised beds in this work were:
Good utilisation of water and fertilizers are possible if bed configuration is correct
Beds can provide much better aeration for all soils following irrigation, and especially clay soils

The main disadvantages for permanent raised beds that need further scrutiny were:
Bed width and wetting of the bed
Salt build up in the centre of beds
Leaching of salts and agro-chemicals to the groundwater

The research team recommended that a combined effort of modelling and experimental work was the best way to move forward with future research on permanent raised beds.