Day one of an introduction to Permaculture course held at the Earthwise Community centres in Subiaco, Western Australia.

1. An Introduction to Permaculture:
Day One
Brooke ’Sparkles’ Murphy and Harry Wykman
17th and 18th of July, 2010
1 / 77

2. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Introductions
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources
*
2 / 77

3. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Sparkles and The Wicked Problems
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources
*
3 / 77

4. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People Permaculture Ethics and Indigenous
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
Wisdom
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 4 / 77
Resources

5. Permaculture Ethics
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 5 / 77
Resources

6. Care of Earth
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: M ASANOBU
Wicked Problems
F UKUOKA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 6 / 77
Resources

7. Care of Earth
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: M ASANOBU
Wicked Problems
F UKUOKA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Soil
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 6 / 77
Resources

8. Care of Earth
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: M ASANOBU
Wicked Problems
F UKUOKA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Soil
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
q Stewardship
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 6 / 77
Resources

9. Care of Earth
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: M ASANOBU
Wicked Problems
F UKUOKA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Soil
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
q Stewardship
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
q Living Things
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 6 / 77
Resources

10. Care of Earth
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: M ASANOBU
Wicked Problems
F UKUOKA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Soil
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
q Stewardship
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
q Living Things
Check In
Permaculture
"If permaculture is a philos-
Principles 1-3 ophy, then it is a pragmatic,
Plants down-to-earth one, which
Plant Tour
takes the ecological limits of
The Seven F’s
our power and intelligence as
Principles 4-6
foundations for anything we
Soil and Composting
do." — Holmgren [2002, p6]
Guilds
References and 6 / 77
Resources

11. Care of Earth
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
y Permaculture "The question which must be addressed . . . is
Ethics
y Care of Earth
not how to care for the planet, but how to care
y Care of People for each of the planet’s millions of small pieces
y Fair Share
and parcels of land, each one of which is in
Permaculture In
History some precious and exciting way different from
Check In all others." — W ENDELL B ERRY, Culture and
Permaculture
Principles 1-3 Agriculture, 1977
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 7 / 77
Resources

12. Care of People
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: J OSÉ M ARÍA
Wicked Problems
A RIZMENDIARRIETA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 8 / 77
Resources

13. Care of People
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: J OSÉ M ARÍA
Wicked Problems
A RIZMENDIARRIETA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Personal Responsibility
y Permaculture
Ethics (for overconsumption /
y Care of Earth
own needs)
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 8 / 77
Resources

14. Care of People
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: J OSÉ M ARÍA
Wicked Problems
A RIZMENDIARRIETA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Personal Responsibility
y Permaculture
Ethics (for overconsumption /
y Care of Earth
own needs)
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History q Non-material well-being
Check In (enjoying the simple
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
things)
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 8 / 77
Resources

15. Care of People
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Story: J OSÉ M ARÍA
Wicked Problems
A RIZMENDIARRIETA
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Personal Responsibility
y Permaculture
Ethics (for overconsumption /
y Care of Earth
own needs)
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History q Non-material well-being
Check In (enjoying the simple
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
things)
Plants
Plant Tour
q New ways of being to-
The Seven F’s
gether
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 8 / 77
Resources

16. Fair Share
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 9 / 77
Resources

17. Fair Share
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Example: The N YUN -
Wicked Problems GAR people past and
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous present
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics
y Care of Earth
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 9 / 77
Resources

18. Fair Share
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Example: The N YUN -
Wicked Problems GAR people past and
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous present
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics q Share beyond our im-
y Care of Earth mediate circle
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 9 / 77
Resources

19. Fair Share
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Example: The N YUN -
Wicked Problems GAR people past and
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous present
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics q Share beyond our im-
y Care of Earth mediate circle
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History q Ecological investment
Check In (trees, biological capac-
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
ity)
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 9 / 77
Resources

20. Fair Share
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Example: The N YUN -
Wicked Problems GAR people past and
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous present
Wisdom
y Permaculture
Ethics q Share beyond our im-
y Care of Earth mediate circle
y Care of People
y Fair Share
Permaculture In
History q Ecological investment
Check In (trees, biological capac-
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
ity)
Plants
Plant Tour
q Social investment (so-
The Seven F’s
cial structures and en-
Principles 4-6
terprise)
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 9 / 77
Resources

21. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Permaculture In History
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources
*
10 / 77

22. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Check In: What is Permaculture Brainstorm
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources
*
11 / 77

23. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Permaculture Principles 1-3
Principles 1-3
y Why Principles?
y Principle 1
y Principle 2
y Principle 3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources 12 / 77

24. Why Principles?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q They are abstract and theoretical
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
y Why Principles?
y Principle 1
y Principle 2
y Principle 3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources 13 / 77

25. Why Principles?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q They are abstract and theoretical
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom 3 ie. not limited in time (history) or space (geography,
Permaculture In
History
place)
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
y Why Principles?
y Principle 1
y Principle 2
y Principle 3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources 13 / 77

26. Why Principles?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q They are abstract and theoretical
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom 3 ie. not limited in time (history) or space (geography,
Permaculture In
History
place)
Check In 3 they are therefore transferable between places and
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
times
y Why Principles?
y Principle 1
y Principle 2
y Principle 3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources 13 / 77

27. Why Principles?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q They are abstract and theoretical
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom 3 ie. not limited in time (history) or space (geography,
Permaculture In
History
place)
Check In 3 they are therefore transferable between places and
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
times
y Why Principles?
y Principle 1
y Principle 2 q Facilitate adaptation to continuous change
y Principle 3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources 13 / 77

28. Why Principles?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q They are abstract and theoretical
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom 3 ie. not limited in time (history) or space (geography,
Permaculture In
History
place)
Check In 3 they are therefore transferable between places and
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
times
y Why Principles?
y Principle 1
y Principle 2 q Facilitate adaptation to continuous change
y Principle 3
Plants
q Facilitate critical thought (not commitment to particular
Plant Tour strategies, or even a particular set of principles)
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources 13 / 77

29. Principle 1: Observe and interact
14 / 77

30. Principle 1: Observe and interact
14 / 77

31. Principle 1: Observe and interact
q We need to know about natural systems - active observation and ex-
change are necessary for this
q Emphasis on subtle, slow moving and small (deeply counter cultural)
14 / 77

32. Principle 1: Observe and interact
q We need to know about natural systems - active observation and ex-
change are necessary for this
q Emphasis on subtle, slow moving and small (deeply counter cultural)
14 / 77

33. /home/harry/Documents/Business/P

35. Principle 2: Catch and store energy
17 / 77

36. Principle 2: Catch and store energy
17 / 77

37. Principle 2: Catch and store energy
q Power Principle 1
17 / 77

38. Principle 2: Catch and store energy
q Power Principle 1
q Build biological assets (theoretically limitless capacity)
17 / 77

41. Principle 3: Obtain a yield
20 / 77

42. Principle 3: Obtain a yield
20 / 77

43. Principle 3: Obtain a yield
q Power Principle 2 — overemphasised in industrial society
20 / 77

44. Principle 3: Obtain a yield
q Power Principle 2 — overemphasised in industrial society
q Necessary positive feedback (yield) and negative feedback (competi-
tion)
20 / 77

45. /home/harry/Documents/Business/Peac

48. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Plants
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 24 / 77

49. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 25 / 77

50. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Obtain a Yield
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 25 / 77

51. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Obtain a Yield
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 25 / 77

52. Why Plants?
Introductions
Permaculture is not just organic gardening or alternative
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems agriculture but plants have a priviledged place in
Permaculture Ethics permaculture systems.
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 26 / 77

53. Why Plants?
Introductions
Permaculture is not just organic gardening or alternative
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems agriculture but plants have a priviledged place in
Permaculture Ethics permaculture systems.
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In Why?
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 26 / 77

54. Why Plants?
Introductions
Permaculture is not just organic gardening or alternative
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems agriculture but plants have a priviledged place in
Permaculture Ethics permaculture systems.
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In Why? — Photosynthesis.
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 26 / 77

55. Why Plants?
Introductions
Permaculture is not just organic gardening or alternative
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems agriculture but plants have a priviledged place in
Permaculture Ethics permaculture systems.
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In Why? — Photosynthesis.
History
Check In
"Solar energy (in the form of visible light) is used
Permaculture
Principles 1-3 by plants to transform water and carbon dioxide
Plants from the atmosphere into carbohydrates by the
y Which Principle is
That? photosynthetic process. These carbohydrates are
y Why Plants? the start of the chemical energy supply chain
y Perennial and
Annual that provides for the needs of all other living
y nectar
things, as well as (indirectly) creating the fossil
y honey
y polinator support fuels of coal, oil and gas." [Holmgren, 2002, p31]
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 26 / 77

56. Perennial and Annual
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
What’s the Difference?
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 27 / 77

57. Guild Functions: Beneficial Insect Nectary
Plants
Introductions
Fennel
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
q Member of the Apiaceae family (with parsley, carrot, dill
y pest-confusing etc.), a family famous for their usefulness at attracting
y fertility
beneficial insect, in particular those with small mouth
y ground cover
y weed barrier parts like hover flies and parasitic wasps.
y Plants and Human
Services 28 / 77

58. Guild Functions: Honey Plants
Introductions
Bush Basil q great bee plant
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics q very attractive hedge or
and Indigenous
Wisdom standard plant
Permaculture In
History
q has potential to be a
Check In
pest-confuser also
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 29 / 77

59. Guild Functions: Pollinator Support Plants
Introductions
Lemon Balm q Generalist nectary plant
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Can be used as a
Permaculture In
History
ground cover — has a
Check In
clumping habit so many
Permaculture plants are required
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
y honey
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 30 / 77

60. Guild Functions: Aromatic Pest-confusing
Plants
Introductions
Thyme
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q Aromatic pest-confuser
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom q Nectary plant
Permaculture In
History q Ground Cover
Check In
Permaculture q Culinary Use
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
q Thyme is valued for its
That? antiseptic and antioxi-
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
dant properties, it is an
Annual excellent tonic and is
y nectar
y honey used in treating respira-
y polinator support tory diseases and a va-
y pest-confusing
y fertility
riety of other ailments
y ground cover [Fern, 2006]
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 31 / 77

61. Guild Functions: Fertility Plants
Introductions
Italian Alder q nitrogen fixer
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics q drought tolerant
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In q ~10 m high
History
Check In q Semi evergreen in Perth
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
q fast growing
That?
y Why Plants? q good windbreak
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar Martin Crawford uses this
y honey
y polinator support
tree extensively throughout
y pest-confusing his forest garden.
y fertility Photo by John Colwill 2010
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 32 / 77

62. Guild Functions: Ground Cover Plants
Introductions
Apple Mint q Jacke and Toensmeier
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems give apple mint a rating
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous of ’2 stars’ (highest) as
Wisdom
a ground cover because
Permaculture In
History of its thick cover.
Check In
Permaculture q Also pest-confuser
Principles 1-3
Plants q like many other mem-
y Which Principle is
That? bers of this genus, is of-
y Why Plants? ten used as a domes-
y Perennial and
Annual tic herbal remedy, be-
y nectar
ing valued especially for
y honey
y polinator support its antiseptic properties
y pest-confusing and its beneficial effect
y fertility
y ground cover on the digestion
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 33 / 77

63. Guild Functions: Weed Barrier Plants
Introductions
Vetiver Grass
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
y Which Principle is
That?
y Why Plants? q Vetiver has very fibrous roots which penetrate very
y Perennial and
Annual
deeply. As a result, vetiver excludes weeds, is used
y nectar extensively in tropical areas in erosion control and is
y honey
y polinator support
drought tolerant. It is a great mulch plant.
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 34 / 77

64. Plants and Human Services
Introductions
Microclimate Creation and "The net cooling
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems Beauty effect of a young,
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous healthy tree is
Wisdom
equivalent to ten
Permaculture In
History room-size air con-
Check In ditioners operating
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
20 hours a day."
Plants
[Lancaster, 2007,
y Which Principle is p. 285]
That?
y Why Plants?
y Perennial and
Annual
y nectar
q Not least, plants make
y honey places livable.
y polinator support
y pest-confusing
y fertility
y ground cover
y weed barrier
y Plants and Human
Services 35 / 77

65. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Plant Tour
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources
*
36 / 77

66. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
The Seven F’s
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 37 / 77

67. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 38 / 77

68. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Obtain a Yield
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 38 / 77

69. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Obtain a Yield
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 38 / 77

70. Plants and Human Yields: The Seven F’s
Introductions
The Seven F’s provide a good framework for considering the
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems variety of plant-derived yields.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 39 / 77

71. Plants and Human Yields: The Seven F’s
Introductions
The Seven F’s provide a good framework for considering the
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems variety of plant-derived yields.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
1. food,
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 39 / 77

72. Plants and Human Yields: The Seven F’s
Introductions
The Seven F’s provide a good framework for considering the
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems variety of plant-derived yields.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
1. food,
Permaculture In
History 2. fuel,
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 39 / 77

73. Plants and Human Yields: The Seven F’s
Introductions
The Seven F’s provide a good framework for considering the
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems variety of plant-derived yields.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
1. food,
Permaculture In
History 2. fuel,
Check In
Permaculture 3. fiber,
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 39 / 77

74. Plants and Human Yields: The Seven F’s
Introductions
The Seven F’s provide a good framework for considering the
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems variety of plant-derived yields.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
1. food,
Permaculture In
History 2. fuel,
Check In
Permaculture 3. fiber,
Principles 1-3
Plants 4. fodder,
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 39 / 77

75. Plants and Human Yields: The Seven F’s
Introductions
The Seven F’s provide a good framework for considering the
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems variety of plant-derived yields.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
1. food,
Permaculture In
History 2. fuel,
Check In
Permaculture 3. fiber,
Principles 1-3
Plants 4. fodder,
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
5. fertilizer, and
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 39 / 77

76. Plants and Human Yields: The Seven F’s
Introductions
The Seven F’s provide a good framework for considering the
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems variety of plant-derived yields.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
1. food,
Permaculture In
History 2. fuel,
Check In
Permaculture 3. fiber,
Principles 1-3
Plants 4. fodder,
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
5. fertilizer, and
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
6. "farmaceuticals," and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 39 / 77

77. Plants and Human Yields: The Seven F’s
Introductions
The Seven F’s provide a good framework for considering the
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems variety of plant-derived yields.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
1. food,
Permaculture In
History 2. fuel,
Check In
Permaculture 3. fiber,
Principles 1-3
Plants 4. fodder,
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
5. fertilizer, and
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
6. "farmaceuticals," and
Humans
y food 7. fun
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 39 / 77

78. Plants and Human Yields: Food
Introductions
Chestnut
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 40 / 77

79. Plants and Human Yields: Fuel
Introductions
Leucaena
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 41 / 77

80. Plants and Human Yields: Fiber
Introductions
New Zealand Flax
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 42 / 77

81. Plants and Human Yields: Fodder
Introductions
Tagasaste
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 43 / 77

82. Plants and Human Yields: Fertiliser
Introductions
Comfrey According to Jacke and
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems Toensmeier [2005], Comfrey
Permaculture Ethics is a ’3 star’ dynamic accumu-
and Indigenous
Wisdom lator Because it covers the
Permaculture In
History
main plants nutrients, N, P, K
Check In
and Ca. It covers:
Permaculture
Principles 1-3 q K — Potassium
Plants
Plant Tour
q P — Phosphorus
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
q Ca — Calcium
That?
y Plants and
Humans q Cu — Copper
y food
y fuel q Fe — Iron
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
q Mg — Magnesium
y farmaceuticals
y fun 44 / 77

84. Plants and Human Yields:
"Farmaceuticals"
Introductions
Yarrow Yarrow has a high reputa-
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems tion and is widely employed
Permaculture Ethics in herbal medicine, adminis-
and Indigenous
Wisdom tered both internally and ex-
Permaculture In
History
ternally. It is used in the treat-
Check In
ment of a very wide range
Permaculture of disorders but is particularly
Principles 1-3
valuable for treating wounds,
Plants
stopping the flow of blood,
Plant Tour
treating colds, fevers, kidney
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
diseases, menstrual pain etc
That?
y Plants and
[Fern, 2006]
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 46 / 77

85. Plants and Human Yields: Fun
Introductions
Elder
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
y Which Principle is
That?
y Plants and
Humans
y food
y fuel
y fibre
y fodder
y fertiliser
y farmaceuticals
y fun 47 / 77

86. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 4-6
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
y Principle 4
y Principle 5
y Principle 6
y The Structure of
the Principles
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 48 / 77
Resources

87. Principle 4: Apply self-regulation and
accept feedback
49 / 77

88. Principle 4: Apply self-regulation and
accept feedback
49 / 77

89. Principle 4: Apply self-regulation and
accept feedback
q Checks Power Principles
49 / 77

90. Principle 4: Apply self-regulation and
accept feedback
q Checks Power Principles
q Natural systems: Self-restraint avoids forceful negative feedback (eg.
effects of climate change)
49 / 77

93. Principle 5: Use and value renewable
resource and services
52 / 77

94. Principle 5: Use and value renewable
resource and services
52 / 77

95. Principle 5: Use and value renewable
resource and services
q Neither limited environmentalism (value only) nor industrial (use only)
— using and valuing preserves
52 / 77

96. Principle 5: Use and value renewable
resource and services
q Neither limited environmentalism (value only) nor industrial (use only)
— using and valuing preserves
q Resources (eg. timber) and services (eg. shade or heat)
52 / 77

99. Principle 6: Produce no waste
55 / 77

100. Principle 6: Produce no waste
55 / 77

101. Principle 6: Produce no waste
q Internal efficiency
55 / 77

102. Principle 6: Produce no waste
q Internal efficiency
q Maintenance as a subversive activity
55 / 77

105. The Structure of the Principles
Introductions
Principles 1 - 6
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
y Principle 4
y Principle 5
y Principle 6
y The Structure of
the Principles
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 58 / 77
Resources

106. The Structure of the Principles
Introductions
Principles 1 - 6
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q Self-reliance
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
y Principle 4
y Principle 5
y Principle 6
y The Structure of
the Principles
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 58 / 77
Resources

107. The Structure of the Principles
Introductions
Principles 1 - 6
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q Self-reliance
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History Principles 7 - 12
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
y Principle 4
y Principle 5
y Principle 6
y The Structure of
the Principles
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 58 / 77
Resources

108. The Structure of the Principles
Introductions
Principles 1 - 6
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q Self-reliance
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History Principles 7 - 12
Check In
Permaculture
q Interdependence
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
y Principle 4
y Principle 5
y Principle 6
y The Structure of
the Principles
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 58 / 77
Resources

109. The Structure of the Principles
Introductions
Principles 1 - 6
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q Self-reliance
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History Principles 7 - 12
Check In
Permaculture
q Interdependence
Principles 1-3
Plants q Standing Back
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
y Principle 4
y Principle 5
y Principle 6
y The Structure of
the Principles
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and 58 / 77
Resources

110. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Soil and Composting
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
59 / 77
y Energy Cycling

111. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
60 / 77
y Energy Cycling

112. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Produce
Wicked Problems No Waste
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
60 / 77
y Energy Cycling

113. Which Principle is That?
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Produce
Wicked Problems No Waste
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
60 / 77
y Energy Cycling

114. Soil
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
What do we know about soil?
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
61 / 77
y Energy Cycling

115. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Soil is primarily made up of
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q minerals,
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
62 / 77
y Energy Cycling

116. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Soil is primarily made up of
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q minerals,
and Indigenous
Wisdom
q water ,
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
62 / 77
y Energy Cycling

117. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Soil is primarily made up of
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q minerals,
and Indigenous
Wisdom
q water ,
Permaculture In
History
Check In
q gases, and
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
62 / 77
y Energy Cycling

118. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Soil is primarily made up of
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q minerals,
and Indigenous
Wisdom
q water ,
Permaculture In
History
Check In
q gases, and
Permaculture
Principles 1-3 q living and decaying
Plants organic matter .
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
62 / 77
y Energy Cycling

119. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Soil is primarily made up of
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
q minerals,
and Indigenous
Wisdom
q water ,
Permaculture In
History
Check In
q gases, and
Permaculture
Principles 1-3 q living and decaying
Plants organic matter .
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Ideally, these parts will be
Principles 4-6
formed into a crumb, allow-
Soil and Composting
ing the retention of water
y Which Principle is and nutrient while maintain-
That?
y Soil ing sufficient space for ex-
y Soil Types change of gasses, including
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
oxygen.
y Soil Life
62 / 77
y Energy Cycling

120. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soils are broadly classified
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is by the size and relative
That?
y Soil
amount of their component
y Soil Types parts.
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
63 / 77
y Energy Cycling

121. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q sands are those soils
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
where particles be-
Wisdom tween 2-0.05mm;
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soils are broadly classified
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is by the size and relative
That?
y Soil
amount of their component
y Soil Types parts.
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
63 / 77
y Energy Cycling

122. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q sands are those soils
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
where particles be-
Wisdom tween 2-0.05mm;
Permaculture In
History
q silts are 0.05-
Check In
Permaculture
0.002mm;
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soils are broadly classified
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is by the size and relative
That?
y Soil
amount of their component
y Soil Types parts.
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
63 / 77
y Energy Cycling

123. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q sands are those soils
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
where particles be-
Wisdom tween 2-0.05mm;
Permaculture In
History
q silts are 0.05-
Check In
Permaculture
0.002mm;
Principles 1-3
Plants q clays are less than
Plant Tour 0.002mm.
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soils are broadly classified
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is by the size and relative
That?
y Soil
amount of their component
y Soil Types parts.
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
63 / 77
y Energy Cycling

124. Soil Types: Parts and Particles
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems q sands are those soils
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
where particles be-
Wisdom tween 2-0.05mm;
Permaculture In
History
q silts are 0.05-
Check In
Permaculture
0.002mm;
Principles 1-3
Plants q clays are less than
Plant Tour 0.002mm.
The Seven F’s
q a loam is formed by
Principles 4-6
Soils are broadly classified around 20% clay, 40%
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is by the size and relative silt and 40% sand.
That?
y Soil
amount of their component
y Soil Types parts.
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
63 / 77
y Energy Cycling

125. Soil Nutrients: Macronutrients
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Nitrogen (N) is required for vegetative growth,
Wicked Problems
chorophyll production and protein formation.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous Nitrogen deficiency is indicated by chlorosis (yellowing
Wisdom
of leaves) and stunted development.
Permaculture In
History
Check In 3 Sources of Concentrated Nitrogen include animal
Permaculture manures, green manures / mulches and blood and
Principles 1-3
bone.
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
64 / 77
y Energy Cycling

126. Soil Nutrients: Macronutrients
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Nitrogen (N) is required for vegetative growth,
Wicked Problems
chorophyll production and protein formation.
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous Nitrogen deficiency is indicated by chlorosis (yellowing
Wisdom
of leaves) and stunted development.
Permaculture In
History
Check In 3 Sources of Concentrated Nitrogen include animal
Permaculture manures, green manures / mulches and blood and
Principles 1-3
bone.
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s q Phosphorus (P) is required for flowering and
Principles 4-6 reproduction, tissue ripening and hardiness
Soil and Composting Phosphorus deficiency is indicated by reduced growth
y Which Principle is
That?
and dull green leaves.
y Soil
y Soil Types 3 Sources of Concentrated Phosphorus include bone
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
meal, bird manures and powedered rock phosphate.
y Soil Life
64 / 77
y Energy Cycling

127. Soil Nutrients: Macronutrients
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Potassium (K) is required for drought tolerance, root
Wicked Problems growth and thick cell walls. Potassium deficiency is diffucult
Permaculture Ethics to recognise though is sometimes indicated by yellowing of
and Indigenous
Wisdom leaf tips and edges and retarded growth.
Permaculture In
History
3 Sources of Concentrated Potassium include the ash of
Check In
young wood, bone meal, animal manures and liquid
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
seaweed.
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
65 / 77
y Energy Cycling

128. Soil Nutrients: Macronutrients
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Potassium (K) is required for drought tolerance, root
Wicked Problems growth and thick cell walls. Potassium deficiency is diffucult
Permaculture Ethics to recognise though is sometimes indicated by yellowing of
and Indigenous
Wisdom leaf tips and edges and retarded growth.
Permaculture In
History
3 Sources of Concentrated Potassium include the ash of
Check In
young wood, bone meal, animal manures and liquid
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
seaweed.
Plants
Plant Tour q Calcium (Ca) is essential in the production of cell walls.
The Seven F’s Calcium deficiency is results in the most marked retardation
Principles 4-6
of growth. Deficiencies in all other elements are very difficult
to recognise, though some indications are given by which
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is weed species grow readily in a particular soil.
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

129. Soil Nutrients: Macronutrients
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Potassium (K) is required for drought tolerance, root
Wicked Problems growth and thick cell walls. Potassium deficiency is diffucult
Permaculture Ethics to recognise though is sometimes indicated by yellowing of
and Indigenous
Wisdom leaf tips and edges and retarded growth.
Permaculture In
History
3 Sources of Concentrated Potassium include the ash of
Check In
young wood, bone meal, animal manures and liquid
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
seaweed.
Plants
Plant Tour q Calcium (Ca) is essential in the production of cell walls.
The Seven F’s Calcium deficiency is results in the most marked retardation
Principles 4-6
of growth. Deficiencies in all other elements are very difficult
to recognise, though some indications are given by which
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is weed species grow readily in a particular soil.
That?
y Soil q Sulfur (S) is required for protein formation.
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

130. Soil Nutrients: Micronutrients or Trace
Elements
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg) are essential in
Wicked Problems
chlorophyll production. Magnesium deficiency is shown
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous in yellowing between the veins on older leaves.
Wisdom
Iron deficiency is shown most clearly in yellowing
Permaculture In
History between the veins on young leaves.
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

131. Soil Nutrients: Micronutrients or Trace
Elements
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg) are essential in
Wicked Problems
chlorophyll production. Magnesium deficiency is shown
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous in yellowing between the veins on older leaves.
Wisdom
Iron deficiency is shown most clearly in yellowing
Permaculture In
History between the veins on young leaves.
Check In
Permaculture q Other trace elements include Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn),
Principles 1-3
Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Boron (B),
Plants
Chlorine (Cl), Aluminium (Al), Sodium (Na),
Plant Tour
Silicon (Si) and Cobalt (Co)
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

132. Soil Nutrients: Micronutrients or Trace
Elements
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg) are essential in
Wicked Problems
chlorophyll production. Magnesium deficiency is shown
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous in yellowing between the veins on older leaves.
Wisdom
Iron deficiency is shown most clearly in yellowing
Permaculture In
History between the veins on young leaves.
Check In
Permaculture q Other trace elements include Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn),
Principles 1-3
Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Boron (B),
Plants
Chlorine (Cl), Aluminium (Al), Sodium (Na),
Plant Tour
Silicon (Si) and Cobalt (Co)
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Trace elements can be added through the use of a rock dust.
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
An example composition of a ’rock dust’ is:
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

133. Soil pH
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

134. Soil pH
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Element Ideal pH Range
Principles 4-6
Nitrogen 6.0 - 8.0
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is Potassium 6.0
That?
y Soil
Phosphorus 6.5 - 7.5
y Soil Types Most Others 5.5 - 7.0
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
Earthworms >5
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

135. Soil pH
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q pH is a measure of the
Wicked Problems
concentration of hydro-
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous gen ions.
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Element Ideal pH Range
Principles 4-6
Nitrogen 6.0 - 8.0
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is Potassium 6.0
That?
y Soil
Phosphorus 6.5 - 7.5
y Soil Types Most Others 5.5 - 7.0
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
Earthworms >5
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

136. Soil pH
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q pH is a measure of the
Wicked Problems
concentration of hydro-
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous gen ions.
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
q Each point on the scale
Check In
represents a change by
Permaculture a factor of ten in acidity.
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Element Ideal pH Range
Principles 4-6
Nitrogen 6.0 - 8.0
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is Potassium 6.0
That?
y Soil
Phosphorus 6.5 - 7.5
y Soil Types Most Others 5.5 - 7.0
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
Earthworms >5
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

137. Soil pH
Introductions
Sparkles and The
q pH is a measure of the
Wicked Problems
concentration of hydro-
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous gen ions.
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
q Each point on the scale
Check In
represents a change by
Permaculture a factor of ten in acidity.
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour q Soil nutrients become
The Seven F’s
Element Ideal pH Range more or less available to
Principles 4-6
Nitrogen 6.0 - 8.0 plants depending upon
Soil and Composting the pH.
y Which Principle is Potassium 6.0
That?
y Soil
Phosphorus 6.5 - 7.5
y Soil Types Most Others 5.5 - 7.0
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
Earthworms >5
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

138. Soil Life: Mycelia and Mycoremediation
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
Paul Stamets on Mycoremediation
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

139. Energy Cycling
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Exercise: Shut Your System
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

140. Energy Cycling
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Exercise: Shut Your System
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
y Which Principle is
That?
y Soil
y Soil Types
y Soil Nutrients
y Soil pH
y Soil Life
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y Energy Cycling

141. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
A Very Brief Introduction to Guilds
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
y Plants and
Ecosystems
y Video
References and
Resources
* 70 / 77

142. Plants and Ecosystems: Guilds
Introductions
Traditional Centered Per- or buffer adverse
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems maculture Guild environmental ef-
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous "Guilds are made fects." — M OLLI -
Wisdom
SON [1988, p. 60]
Permaculture In up of a close asso-
History
ciation of species
Check In
clustered around
Permaculture
Principles 1-3 a central element
Plants (plant of animal).
Plant Tour This assembly
The Seven F’s acts in relation
Principles 4-6 to the element to
Soil and Composting assist in health,
Guilds aid our work in
y Plants and
Ecosystems management,
y Video
References and
Resources
* 71 / 77

143. Plants and Ecosystems: Guilds
Introductions
More recent P ERMACULTURE writing has seen this definition
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems expanded. Guilds are not seen as necessarily ‘centered’ but
Permaculture Ethics include any beneficial interspecies interaction which
and Indigenous
Wisdom demonstrates either or both mutual support and resource
Permaculture In
History
sharing. J ACKE and TOENSMEIER [2005, 151] that
Check In
"mutual support guilds build social structure."
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
They continue, writing that these relationships
Plant Tour
". . . can include such diverse interactions as
The Seven F’s
pollination support, inhibition of competitors,
Principles 4-6
physical support or vines, microclimate
Soil and Composting
modification, providing habitat for critical animals or
Guilds
y Plants and any number of other functions."
Ecosystems
y Video
References and
Resources
* 72 / 77

144. Video
Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
Farm for the Future: Martin Crawford’s
History Forest Garden
Check In
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
y Plants and
Ecosystems
y Video
References and
Resources
* 73 / 77

145. Introductions
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
and Indigenous
Wisdom
Permaculture In
History
Check In
Permaculture
References and Resources
Principles 1-3
Plants
Plant Tour
The Seven F’s
Principles 4-6
Soil and Composting
Guilds
References and
Resources
y References
*
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146. References and
Resources
References
*
Introductions
References
Sparkles and The
Wicked Problems
Permaculture Ethics
Ken Fern. Achillea millefolium - Plants For A Future database
and Indigenous
Wisdom
report, 2006. URL
Permaculture In http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Achille
History
Check In David Holmgren. Permaculture : principles & pathways
Permaculture
Principles 1-3
beyond sustainability. Holmgren Design Services, Hepburn
Plants
Vic., 2002. ISBN 9780646418445.
Plant Tour
Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier. Edible forest gardens:
The Seven F’s
Ecological vision and theory for temperate climate
Principles 4-6
permaculture. vol. 1. Chelsea Green Pub. Co., White River
Soil and Composting
Junction Vt., 2005. ISBN 9781931498807.
Guilds
References and
Resources
Brad Lancaster. Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and
y References Beyond (Vol. 2): Water-Harvesting Earthworks. Rainsource
* Press, Tucson, July 2007. ISBN 0977246418. URL
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0977246418. 75 / 77

147. Credits
This document, authored by Harry Wykman in collaboration with
Brooke ’Sparkles’ Murphy is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution 2.5 Australia License.
q 35 Woolgar Way
L OCKRIDGE, 6054
q (08) 9377 1258 or 0419662189
q harry@peacetreepermaculture.com.au
q www.peacetreepermaculture.com.au
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