Overview
This lecture explains the differences between a standard farm layout and a permaculture farm design, highlighting key planning principles and their benefits.
Standard Farm Layout
- The house is typically built close to the road for easy access.
- Outbuildings and animal housing are situated near the home for daily care.
- Building orientation commonly ignores sun angles and natural features.
- Gardens and orchards are located near the house for convenience.
- The land is divided into rectangular or triangular sections for crops and pasture.
- Farm tracks are created without considering land topography, leading to erosion and loss of topsoil.
Permaculture Farm Design Principles
- Begin planning with a compass and analyze sun direction (examples are for the Northern Hemisphere).
- Prioritize water flow and retention—analyze contour lines and elevation before placing any structures or plants.
- Water management uses swales (uncompacted ditches with adjacent mounds for tree planting) to capture and store rainwater.
- Place houses and main structures on a mid-slope for optimal water management, temperature regulation, and sunlight.
- Outbuildings, animal housing, and gardens are placed near the home, also on a mid-slope for easy access.
- Steep areas are reserved for trees to prevent erosion and provide wood sources.
- Orchards are placed close to the home, with trees planted on swales for water access.
Plant and Pasture Strategies in Permaculture
- Tree placement takes sun direction into account to avoid unnecessary shading.
- Southern slopes in the Northern Hemisphere and northern slopes in the Southern Hemisphere are best for cultivation.
- Pastures include forage trees to improve nutrient cycling, soil stabilization, shade, and biodiversity.
- After planting forage trees, grasses and cover crops are sown.
- Grain cultivation is intercropped with legumes to improve soil and prevent pests; less land is devoted to grains.
- Dwarf fruit trees and berry bushes are placed in areas that minimize shading and are suited to specific topography.
- Wind breaks may be necessary if the site is exposed to severe winds.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Swale — An uncompacted ditch with a soil mound used to capture and store rainwater for tree growth.
- Mid-slope — A position on a hillside between the top and bottom, ideal for building due to water and climate benefits.
- Forage trees — Trees included in pastures for livestock feed, soil enrichment, and erosion control.
- Contour lines — Lines on a map indicating land elevation, used for water and structure planning in permaculture.
- Wind break — A row of trees or shrubs planted to protect crops and animals from strong winds.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your own farm or garden plans for sun orientation, water flow, and access.
- Research local contour maps and analyze your land’s elevation and slopes.
- Consider integrating swales, forage trees, and intercropping into your designs.