What is permaculture?

The world would be a much different place if most people lived in self-sufficient communities that didn't rely on industrial agriculture production and distribution systems. For example if all beef were grown and shipped locally, perhaps so many rainforests wouldn't have been cut down in South America to create cattle lots for commercial beef production. Industrial agriculture is very hard on ecosystems. One reason is the use of technology powered by fossil fuels. Another detriment is the production of monoculture crops that deplete the soil.

The word permaculture originates from a combination of "permanent agriculture" and "permanent culture." Permanent agriculture is an agriculture system that can be sustained indefinitely without destroying surrounding natural systems. Permanent culture is needed because the social aspect is an essential part of any stable sustainable system. Permaculture is both a design system for sustainability and a philosophy.

Ecological theory is the basis for permaculture. A founding tenet is the synergy among design elements that minimizes labor and waste by-products. Permaculture borrows from organic farming, sustainable forestry, horticulture and other systems. Techniques used are sometimes those of indigenous people. A permaculturist looks at a whole system or problem and how all the parts relate. He/she then focuses on efficiency, the use of less disruptive management tools and techniques, and creating multiple connections among all components. Optimal use of natural resources is another critical component which includes reducing unnecessary consumption.

A permaculture design at the home garden scale might include locating beds most frequently used, such as herbs, salad greens or other daily-use plants, close to the kitchen. If chickens were part of the plan, they, on the other hand, might be located at a distance to reduce noise and contamination. Multiple crops may be planted in the same place or intercropping employed as in the "square foot garden" technique to avoid soil-depleting monocultures. The "three sisters" Native American technique of planting corn, squash and beans together is a good example of borrowing from indigenous people. Perennial plants are the basis of permaculture design for landscaping purposes.

If you would like more information on implementing permaculture techniques in your landscape and garden, attend UNCE horticulturist Leslie Allen's free "Introduction to Permaculture" 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 17, at Bartley Ranch in Reno. Bartley Ranch is located off Lakeside Drive, one-half mile south of McCarran and Lakeside. She will discuss the principles of permaculture, provide local examples of soil-building, water harvesting and other sustainable garden techniques.

For information, contact me, 775-887-2252 or skellyj@unce.unr.edu, your local University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office or at www.unce.unr.edu. "Ask a Master Gardener" at mastergardeners@unce.unr.edu

- JoAnne Skelly is the Carson City/Storey County Extension educator for University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.