Permaculture or ‘Permanent Culture’ refers to food production and ecological designs that replicate the natural, self-sustainable way of growth we see around us. Permaculture farms mimic the growth patterns found in natural forests to create an ecosystem that is verdant and self-sustainable. The energy input in these farms is minimal while yields are extremely high.
Permaculture farms make use of resources like land and forces like community building to bring about a seamless integration of plants, animals, soil, organisms and humans to create balanced, beneficial, self-sustainable communities. Unlike modern farms, the focus of permaculture farms is not just on the various elements in the farm but on the healthy interrelationships that exist among these elements. By replicating natural patterns, synergy is created between various elements.
Permaculture farms are in direct contrast to present day farming systems where a lot of energy is spent to preserve the ‘sanctity’ of the farming area and prevent it from going ‘wild’. A modern farm is simply a stack of a few elements, one over the other. In contrast, as is seen in nature, a forest garden is naturally productive because it is growing several levels at the same time. In a natural forest, the floor consists of shrub layers which are topped by fruits and vegetables, which are further topped by large trees. Large trees provide canopy and also recycle nutrients. They are the home to several species that help enrich the soil. Thus, even elements such as huge trees that seem like they are redundant, are also performing essential functions.
Permaculture farms make use of resources like land and forces like community building to bring about a seamless integration of plants, animals, soil, organisms and humans to create balanced, beneficial, self-sustainable communities. Unlike modern farms, the focus of permaculture farms is not just on the various elements in the farm but on the healthy interrelationships that exist among these elements. By replicating natural patterns, synergy is created between various elements.
Permaculture farms are in direct contrast to present day farming systems where a lot of energy is spent to preserve the ‘sanctity’ of the farming area and prevent it from going ‘wild’. A modern farm is simply a stack of a few elements, one over the other. In contrast, as is seen in nature, a forest garden is naturally productive because it is growing several levels at the same time. In a natural forest, the floor consists of shrub layers which are topped by fruits and vegetables, which are further topped by large trees. Large trees provide canopy and also recycle nutrients. They are the home to several species that help enrich the soil. Thus, even elements such as huge trees that seem like they are redundant, are also performing essential functions.
Permaculture farms are not completely focused on food production. Instead, its objective is to foster a thriving ecosystem. In order to bring about a sustainable way of life, the permaculture farm could containwaste water treatment plants, energy efficient buildings, recycling plants and so on. To design a landscape that produces its own food, multi-use plants are chosen. Animals too are integrated into the system so that they can eliminate weeds naturally. Small insects and microorganisms act as natural pesticides and control the growth of harmful microorganisms in the farm.
These days, permaculture farms have expanded their reach to include social structures and economic systems to support the creation of eco-villages and eco-housing. Since the concepts of permaculture may be extended to urban settings as well, they are applicable wherever humans live, in cities, households and even in big villages.
It might seem like permaculture farms require a lot of hard work. However, in truth, a lot of the hard work that goes into maintaining and nurturing modern day farms are not present in permaculture farms. For instance, there is no need to use pesticides. Since nature is allowed to take care of itself, most of the work involved is in harvesting the produce from farms, not in maintaining the farm to be productive.
Common Circle Education is one of the most well-known Permaculture Schools.
These days, permaculture farms have expanded their reach to include social structures and economic systems to support the creation of eco-villages and eco-housing. Since the concepts of permaculture may be extended to urban settings as well, they are applicable wherever humans live, in cities, households and even in big villages.
It might seem like permaculture farms require a lot of hard work. However, in truth, a lot of the hard work that goes into maintaining and nurturing modern day farms are not present in permaculture farms. For instance, there is no need to use pesticides. Since nature is allowed to take care of itself, most of the work involved is in harvesting the produce from farms, not in maintaining the farm to be productive.
Common Circle Education is one of the most well-known Permaculture Schools.
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Source: http://adalphpaul.articlealley.com/important-lessons-from-permaculture-farms-1959278.html
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