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Table of contents
Permaculture as a design system History and development How does it work? Main ecological principals (sun, water, wind, soil) 7 plant- and root layers 3 function guideline (importance of diversity) A living soil for quick nutrient cycles Zoning (planning your time in the system) Different types of resources
Permaculture: The conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems to create the diversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems. Permaculture seeks the harmonious integration of landscape and people providing their food, energy, shelter and other material and nonmaterial needs in a sustainable way.
3 function guideline
Each organism has several functions in the system (minimum of 3) Each function of the system is supported by various organisms. (minimum of 3) (functional redundancy) This guideline invokes creative thinking and assures diversity in the system Diversity leads to stability
Short summary
Main ecological factors; sun, water & wind. Design with those, keep in mind the soil type and wishes of the owner 7 layers of plants and roots make sure that you use the sun and soil to a maximum and they form the basics for diversity in your system Each organism has several functions in the system, each function of the system is supported by several organisms Diversity leads to stability
Zoning
Permaculture zones, a time planning tool for your permaculture design. Zone 0 is the house, safety and comfort Zone 1 is the direct surrounding of the house, you spend a lot of time here. Zone 2 is a bit further away and you are there each day. etc.
Resources
Resources that disappear or degrade when they are not used - All organic harvest, rain, sunshine, etc. B) Resources that increase by using them -Knowledge, talents, cooperation, etc.
Resources
C) Resources that remain unchanged by their use -Bricks, a bath tub, etc. (be creative :-) D) Resources that are depleted by their use -Fossil fuels, certain ores, etc. (Great dependence on these resources is dangerous)
Resources
E) Resources that pollute and/or destroy when used -Pesticides, herbicides, etc. Permaculture primarily uses resources from category A, B & C it partly uses resources from category D and it avoids all use from category E
Permaculture as a designsystem
Logo symbolism Think in terms of inputs & outputs and closing cycles. Labour = Every need that is not taken care of by the system. Pollution = Every output that cannot by used by the system.
questions?
We can turn forests into deserts or deserts into forests, it is our choice -Bill Mollison-
More info?
Read:
-Introduction to permaculture, by Bill Mollison -The basics of permaculture design, by Ross Mars -Permaculture in a Nutshell, by Patrick Whitefield -Earth user`s guide, by Rosemary Marrow -..
Search online; sites, e-book`s, movie`s, plant databases, etc. (google, youtube, mininova, etc.) Visit people that already use permaculture and ask questions, share information and most important, start yourself Dont be afraid to make a mistake (or two) The worst thing which can happen is that a tree dies A permaculture system needs to grow over time, continously obeserving and learning will make you grow during that time.