Permaculture, Designing systems that support People & Nature.

Permaculture

You can read about the origin and development of Permaculture by following the links provided.

My interest in the concepts of Permaculture started with some research into what I could grow on our semi-dryland finca. I was surprised to find that, rather than limiting my planting choices, I could, over time, change the nature of the land to give me more options.
The introduction of Swales into my natural landscape, changes the very nature of the soil. By trapping water on the uphill part of the plot and leaving it to naturally filter downhill, the land benefits from all our winter rainfall and is revitalised with the nutrients that are trapped by the Swale.
I have used this system in small areas as a test, and am staggered by the results. In just 2 seasons I am able to grow crops where there was only patchy scrub before. I will be extending the Swale system for next season.
Permaculture emphasises the natural interdependence of things, and seeks a muti-purpose approach to design.
Our rain water harvesting system is a perfect example of this process, of using nature's example to guide our design, and to find natural ways of extending the long term benefits we derive from doing so.

The process
We must have a roof on our dwelling to protect us from the rain and sun.
We know that the temperature in the ground a few feet down is relatively stable. It therefore follows that by constructing the roof to give the same relative level of insulation, we will need less energy to heat and cool the house.
We also know that in flat areas water stands and will find a way to permeate the ground, in steep areas it runs of so fast that it has no time to find a way through. It therefore follows that a roof with a pitch will keep us dryer and shed lots of water.
In loose soil water finds a way through, very quickly and in rock very slowly. Therefore impermeable is better.
At this point our roof has been designed for function and longevity. It must be pitched, well insulated and impermeable.
Looking at nature again, we see that if you run water from a height in large amounts you have a waterfall, and this will wash away the earth where it falls, and will even eat through rock over time. It therefore follows that we need to route the water from the roof, to a place where it will not undermine the foundation of the house.
We know that rain water has been naturally distilled and in most areas is better for human uses than treated water, it is also free. It therefore follows that storing the runoff for household use is both healthy and economical.
We know that the water we have used in the house is contaminated through use, and if allowed to pool in one place is both a health hazard and smelly. We also know that our best source of pure ground water is underground aquifers. This water has been filtered by passing through the earth. Plant root systems also filter out contaminants. It therefore follows that this water can be recycled for the irrigation of crops, and the excess will find its way back into the underground system as fresh water. This gives us free irrigation, an incentive for growing our own food, and ensures that the contaminants are trapped away from rivers and lakes. Water runs downhill which means the site for our crops needs to be below our used water storage.
We know that in nature animals do not defecate and urinate in the same place, and they never defecate in water, which would contaminate their drinking supply. We also know that faeces will naturally dry and does not smell once it has done so. It will then compost, and provide nutrients for the soil.
It therefore follows that we do not mix water and faeces, we separate faeces and urine, and we compost the faeces for later use. The urine when mixed with used water, increases its nutritional value to plant life.

Through this process we have designed; a functional roof, - made use of the run off to supply us with clean free water, -provided a free and environmentaly friendly source for irrigation, - avoided wasting water in the toilet, - found a way of using faeces and urine, that both recycles it and makes it safe - Started composting, - growing our own organic food, and formed an idea of where everything needs to be placed.
The design has taken it's lead from natural processes and fulfils many needs, while at the same time ensuring that it is environmentaly sound, and sustainble over the long term.

This is just a small example of the appliance of Permaculture principles, but it gives you a good idea of just how valuable these principles are in ensuring that all future design looks long and hard into the environmental impact, and the sustainability of its implementation. When the principles are applied in a consistent way, the design becomes higher yielding, more economical, and more in harmony with nature.

On our courses, we use these principles to guide participants into the design processes for their own Homesteads. A basic understanding of the concepts, and experience of the results, will help to ensure the long term viability and functionality of your own designs.