Permaculture is a design philosophy that draws from nature’s own patterns and systems, aiming to create sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural environments. At Dona Eco Farms, we embraced permaculture principles to transform barren land into a thriving, productive ecosystem. This approach not only maximized our farm’s output but also ensured that we worked in harmony with nature rather than against it. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how we applied permaculture principles at Dona Eco Farms and the impact they’ve had on our farm’s development.
Understanding Permaculture
Before diving into the specifics of our farm, it’s essential to understand what permaculture is. Coined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s, permaculture is a portmanteau of “permanent agriculture” and “permanent culture.” It’s a holistic design system rooted in ethics and principles that mimic natural ecosystems to produce food, energy, and resources in a sustainable way.
The core ethics of permaculture are:
- Earth Care: Taking care of the planet by ensuring sustainable use of resources and respecting natural processes.
- People Care: Looking after oneself, family, and community by ensuring access to essential resources and promoting well-being.
- Fair Share: Ensuring that surplus resources are shared and returned to the system to benefit the environment and community.
Permaculture operates on several principles that guide decision-making and design. These principles are adaptable to different environments, making them universally applicable. Here’s how we implemented them at Dona Eco Farms.
1. Observe and Interact
The first principle of permaculture is to observe the natural environment and interact with it. At Dona Eco Farms, we spent a considerable amount of time understanding the land’s unique characteristics. We observed the natural flow of water, sunlight patterns, soil composition, and existing vegetation. This observation phase was crucial in identifying the strengths and challenges of the land.
For instance, we noticed that the southwest winds were strong and could potentially damage crops. This observation led us to plant windbreaks—trees and shrubs that protect the farm from these winds. We chose fast-growing Silver Oak, a hardy species that could withstand the winds while providing additional benefits such as wood, fruit, or habitat for wildlife.
2. Catch and Store Energy
Permaculture emphasizes capturing and storing energy in various forms. On our farm, the most abundant and vital energy source is the sun. We designed the farm zones based on sunlight exposure, ensuring that each zone was positioned to maximize the use of solar energy.
We established Zone 1, the most frequently visited area, near our home. This zone includes our vegetable garden, herbs, and other essential crops that require daily attention. By placing these close to our living space, we reduced the energy and time needed for daily tasks. In contrast, Zone 5, the wild zone, is further away and left to nature, requiring minimal human intervention.
The layout of our farm ensures that each plant receives the appropriate amount of sunlight, with taller plants providing shade to those that require less sun. This strategic zoning helps us harness solar energy efficiently, promoting healthy plant growth and increasing yield.
3. Obtain a Yield
Permaculture isn’t just about sustainability—it’s also about productivity. We focused on creating systems that yield abundant crops, livestock, and other resources. This principle guided us to plant a variety of crops that could provide us with food, income, and other essential resources.
For example, we adopted the Subash Palekar Natural Farming Model, particularly the 36×36 model, where mango trees are planted at 36-feet apart. In between these trees, we planted guava, custard apple, arecanut, and other fruit trees at nine-feet intervals. This multi-layered planting ensures a continuous yield of fruits throughout the year, maximizing the use of available space and resources.
Additionally, we planted ginger and turmeric between the rows of trees to utilize every inch of space effectively. These crops provided early returns, contributing to the farm’s financial sustainability and allowing us to reinvest in further development.
4. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback
One of the key aspects of permaculture is creating systems that are self-regulating and capable of accepting feedback. At Dona Eco Farms, we regularly assess our practices and make necessary adjustments. For instance, our initial millet cultivation provided crucial feedback on the soil’s fertility. Although the yield was low in some areas, it guided us to focus on improving soil health through natural composting, mulching, and crop rotation.
We also incorporated livestock into our farm, understanding their role in maintaining the farm’s ecosystem. The cows, goats, and chickens not only provided manure, which enriched the soil but also contributed to pest control and helped in recycling nutrients. By allowing the animals to roam certain areas, we could naturally regulate plant growth and soil fertility, reducing the need for external inputs.
5. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services
Permaculture promotes the use of renewable resources and values the services provided by natural systems. We implemented drip irrigation to conserve water, a critical resource in farming. This system delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff while reducing water usage and labor costs.
Another renewable resource we utilized was organic matter. By composting farm waste and using green manure, we improved soil fertility and structure. The organic mulch also helped in retaining soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
We also recognized the value of ecosystem services, such as pollination and pest control provided by insects and birds. By fostering a biodiverse environment, we minimized our reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, further enhancing the farm’s sustainability.
Recent Post: The Journey of Dona Eco Farms: From Barren Land to Lush Green Paradise
6. Produce No Waste
In permaculture, every output is seen as a resource, and waste is minimized. At Dona Eco Farms, we turned organic waste into valuable compost, feeding it back into the soil to improve fertility. Crop residues, animal manure, and kitchen scraps all contribute to our composting system, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Additionally, we practiced intercropping and companion planting, where different plants are grown together to complement each other’s growth. This not only increased biodiversity but also reduced the likelihood of pests and diseases, thereby minimizing the need for external inputs and reducing potential waste.
7. Design From Patterns to Details
The permaculture principle of designing from patterns to details is about understanding the broader context before focusing on specifics. At the start, we identified the macro patterns of our land—wind direction, water flow, and sun exposure. This understanding informed our zoning and planting decisions, ensuring that we were working with the land’s natural tendencies rather than against them.
For example, by recognizing the direction of the prevailing winds, we planted windbreaks to protect the farm. These patterns guided the overall design, while the details—such as the choice of plant species and their specific placement—were refined over time as we learned more about the land’s microclimates and soil conditions.
8. Integrate Rather Than Segregate
Permaculture encourages integrating elements to create a cohesive and interdependent system. At Dona Eco Farms, we integrated crops, livestock, and natural habitats into a unified system where each element supports the others. For instance, our fruit trees provide shade for shade-loving plants, while the animals contribute to soil fertility and pest control.
By fostering these connections, we created a resilient farm that requires fewer external inputs and is better equipped to withstand environmental challenges. The integration of various elements has also led to a more efficient use of resources, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
9. Use Small and Slow Solutions
Permaculture advocates for small and slow solutions that are sustainable and manageable in the long run. We started with small experiments, such as the initial millet cultivation, which helped us understand the land’s capabilities and limitations. These small steps allowed us to build a solid foundation before scaling up our efforts.
Over time, we gradually introduced more elements—fruit trees, livestock, and diverse crops—ensuring that each addition was well-planned and sustainable. This approach allowed us to adapt to challenges and make informed decisions that contributed to the farm’s long-term success.
10. Use and Value Diversity
Diversity is a cornerstone of permaculture. At Dona Eco Farms, we planted a wide variety of crops and introduced different livestock species to create a balanced ecosystem. This diversity not only provided us with a range of products but also enhanced the farm’s resilience to pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions.
By cultivating multiple species, we reduced the risk of crop failure and ensured a continuous supply of produce throughout the year. The diverse plantings also attracted a variety of beneficial insects and birds, contributing to natural pest control and pollination.
Conclusion: A Journey Towards Sustainability
Implementing permaculture principles at Dona Eco Farms has been a transformative experience. What began as a barren, rocky piece of land is now a thriving, diverse, and sustainable farm. By working with nature and applying these time-tested principles, we’ve not only created a productive farm but also contributed to the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
Our journey is ongoing, and as we continue to learn and adapt, we remain committed to the core values of permaculture: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. We hope that our experience inspires others to explore permaculture and consider its potential in creating sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.