Permaculture Farm - a better way of managing land

Permaculture Farm - a better way of managing land

A farm is an area of land which purpose is to grow food and raise livestock. Typical agricultural farm uses agrochemicals and technology to dramatically increase yields. However, these practices result in ecological and environmental damage such as erosion, compaction, loss of nutrients, soil salinity and more. Today’s modern practices in animal husbandry also raise concerns about animal welfare kept in poor condition for the sake of financial gain.

The good news is that we have a choice. In a consumer capacity by avoiding commercial products and supporting local small-scale farmers. However, owners of big modern agricultural farms can also make a difference by converting to more sustainable way of farming and without any loss of financial income, rather with potential of earning more. This may seem ludicrous, but we forgot about important rules of managing land that indigenous and tribal still follow wherever they can. The rules are simple, working with nature rather than against it. Observing the nature and learning from it. An example would be a frequent move of animals in between pastures to prevent overgrazing leading to soil compaction and loss of plant life, protection of wild forests, or not exploiting certain species.

Permaculture science although founded in the last century share the same viewpoint and provides practical solutions to damages caused by modern agriculture. This is because a Permaculture Farm is governed by DESIGN as opposed being run by practice. A Design needs to conform to principles and ethics, which I covered in Permaculture Homestead blog. This in turn allows to obtain yields without degrading the soil and destroying the beneficial soil living organisms which help us. This means the energy is spent on recovering the soil and enriching it year by year to obtain better quality yields and with more ease the more time passes by. So, the energy input is always lower than the energy output.

Such farming acquires a new meaning as the work is being carried in agreement with natural forces such as sun, wind, water and takes advantage of them. In other words, any energy generated outside the system can be brought inside the farm and used. For example, if there is a damaging water run-off on site due to seasonal precipitation events that causes erosion, techniques are applied to stop erosion and turn the water force into something beneficial, for example irrigation pond as long as it fits the landscape.

Permaculture design also considers the use of energy such electricity and biogas to achieve self-sufficiency and looks at structures building techniques or restructuring to prevent energy waste. This helps to accomplish a sense of purpose and shows how a farm can reach its full potential by operating in harmony with nature and guaranteeing security for many generations to come.

In summary, this a non-exhaustive list of benefits Permaculture Design can bring to your farm:

• Increased biodiversity

• Improved water management to the benefit of farm and surroundings

• Enhanced soil fertility

• Bigger crop yields per unit area

• Decreased carbon footprint

• Reduced requirement for external inputs Still hard to believe?

There is only one way to find out. You have nothing to lose. Join my courses and try it yourself or contact me for advice. We can work on your land DESIGN together no matter the size or geographical location!