Permaculture Farming- Principles And Application.

Permaculture farming is farming that mimics the natural ecosystem. It works in harmony with natural elements such as the wind, sun, and water to produce food, shelter, and water supplies. The name “permaculture” is a combination of words. Those are “permanent agriculture” and “permanent culture.” Permaculture is an agricultural system that emphasizes the natural manner of doing agriculture. It focuses on preserving the ecological system. It does not conform to the method of traditional farming.

Permaculture Farming: Basic Meaning And History

You can consider permaculture farming as an alternative to intensive farming. This method eventually degrades the soil, making it less suited for human settlement.

Permaculture approaches the use of land in the most productive manner possible. In addition to that, It focuses on the life of future generations too.

This approach incorporates various disciplines Agroforestry, integrated farming, sustainable development. Let’s see the history of this method of farming.

Firstly, David Holmren and Bill Mollison invented permaculture in the 1970s. They had a great devotion to the sustainable use of land. They coined this term in the early twentieth century. Essential principles and practices of this method have existed for thousands of years.

Benefits Of Permaculture Farming

Water Conservation 

Using wastewater and rainfall can help you save money on your water costs. It is also beneficial to homes. It helps in providing a more cost-effective watering your crops for bigger farms. 

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Less Expensive

Furthermore, Permaculture farming is less expensive than conventional plant cultivation. You do not need to spend money on pesticides or fertilizers. Permaculture systems save money and labor since they need less upkeep. All you need to do is irrigate crops often and occasionally mulch. 

Waste Reduction 

Nothing goes to waste when you use a permaculture farming system. You can use leaves, leftovers, and other waste materials. Likewise, Convert them into fertilizer or livestock feed.

Less Maintenance

After initial setup, your permaculture garden will take care of itself. You may preserve water in artificial water storage. That might attract birds, frogs, and other beneficial species, eliminating pests. Similarly, companion planting helps to keep pest issues to a least. Permaculture farming requires far less upkeep. 

Reduced pollution 

Permaculture farming is a more natural method of growing food. The use of powered agricultural equipment such as tractors is uncommon. On the contrary, conventional agriculture uses a lot of equipment.

Reduction in Toxins 

Permaculture employs natural fertilizers and pest control methods. It is typically considered organic, so you don’t have to expose yourself to many chemicals. You cannot avoid harsh chemicals in modern conventional farming.

Value enhancements 

Permaculture will teach you more ethical and good ideals such as wasting less. It focuses on using what you need, decreasing pollution, and helping others. You will support green living by only using natural fertilizers and insecticides. 

Increased self-sufficiency 

Permaculture farming enables a farmer or gardener to grow a broader range of crops on their site. There is the freedom to plant whatever you want to consume.

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Principles Of Permaculture Farming

• Be observant and interact with Nature

 Pay close attention to natural processes. As a result, you could understand it better and get more creative ideas.

• Capture and Save Energy

 Particularly You could harvest rainwater during monsoons or capture solar Energy during summers. 

• Determine the Yield

 See whether you are getting results or not. You want food, money, or something else in exchange. You can’t work if you’re hungry. Similarly, it would help if you also listened to others.

• Utility and worth Resources and Services from Renewable Resources

When it comes to effectively utilizing resources creating minimum waste should be the prime focus. 

• Create No Waste

Above all, most importantly, Value all the resources. Implementing Permaculture farming goes to waste.

• Patterns and Details in Design

It’s equally important to consider Nature and society. Search for patterns in the structure of beehives, the design on a snail shell, and other things. It helps to inspire creative creations. Likewise, integration is also crucial, which is its next principle.

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Applying Ecological Principles Of Permaculture Farming

Firstly understand The organization of Plant life is into strata in healthy forest ecosystems. Tall trees provide the canopy, which provides much-needed cover from the sun. The understory consists of trees that thrive in partial shade. At the same time, Woody perennials make up the shrub layer. 

Likewise, Herbaceous plants live in the lowest strata and die back each winter. Soil coverings and ground cover are next. The rhizosphere (root layer) follows, and climbing plants cover walls effectively. 

In Permaculture farming, You may readily add layers to your landscape. Canopy trees provide building materials and firewood. Fruit trees and berries do well in the understory and shrub layer. Grow culinary and medicinal plants in the herbaceous layer. 

Further, The Soil layer of annual and perennial cover crops is the best choice. Root vegetables, such as beets and carrots might make up the bottom layer of the plant. Then going vertical might use pole beans for this purpose. On the other hand, there comes a zone when different elements are there on the farm.

Moreover, The basis for Zones for permaculture farming is on how close they are to the house. Because you need to look after vegetable and herb gardens every day, they are close to the house.

Application 

Consequently, You can find wild and untouched land in the farthest part of the country, though. Areas for an orchard and a greenhouse, fields for livestock, and trees make up the middle of the land. The people, animals, and other animals and wildlife have food and places to stay. 

Markedly, A transition area in permaculture farming is where two different places meet. Think of a pasture next to a forest or a cliff next to the ocean. Biodiversity is very rich at the edge, which you can try to do in your garden. If you want to make the raised bed look like an edge, you could put a border around the raised bed or build a fountain. 

Furthermore, Guilds are groups of organisms that work together to help each other. Natural things happen in the wild, like this. “companion planting” means grouping plants together that help other plants. It also helps the soil and wildlife grow better. Beans, corn, and squash are part of a permaculture farming guild.

(Also Read- 7 myth about farming)

Conclusion

Permaculture farming is a concept of agriculture based on certain fundamental principles. It strives to replicate the interrelationships and sustainability of natural ecosystems. In addition, there is the incorporation of several sectors, including regenerative agriculture community resilience. Henceforth, Permaculture farming can be a holistic and sustainable approach.