What is Permaculture? An Approach Inspired by Natural Systems
Permaculture is a design and life philosophy that aims to create sustainable and efficient living systems inspired by natural ecosystems. Permaculture, which is a combination of the words “permanente” (permanent) and “culture” (agriculture), is the process of designing and implementing balanced and harmonious systems that meet the needs of people by taking nature as a model.
The basic principles of permaculture were developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. These principles emerged from the study of interactions in natural ecosystems and comprehensively cover the areas in which permaculture will be applied. Here are the basic principles of permaculture:
Observation and Response: Observing natural systems means designing and acting in accordance with needs and changes. Understanding and responding to nature is one of the fundamental steps of permaculture.
Using Resources Efficiently: Using limited resources in the most efficient way and minimizing waste generation is the sustainability principle of permaculture. It aims to use energy, water and other resources in a sustainable way and respect natural systems.
Diversity and Multi-Purpose Design: Understanding the importance of diversity and multi-purpose in natural ecosystems is reflected in the design of permaculture. A landscape or garden design considers the coexistence and interaction of different plants and elements.
Self-Sufficiency: In permaculture, the aim is for systems to be as self-sufficient as possible. It is important to meet basic needs such as food production, water management, energy use with local resources and to reduce foreign dependency.
Turning Limitations into Opportunity: Permaculture has an understanding of turning limitations into opportunities. Limited resources or challenging conditions can be turned into advantage with creative designs.
Learning from Natural Ecosystems: Natural ecosystems are the most important source of inspiration for permaculture. It is important to observe the interactions, cycles, harmony and durability in nature and to incorporate these examples into permaculture designs.
It can be applied in permaculture, organic farming, horticulture, energy conservation, water management, soil restoration, habitat restoration and more. In addition, permaculture also aims to design communities and human settlements according to the principles of sustainability and resilience.
Inspired by these natural systems, while aiming for people to live in harmony with the environment and in a sustainable way, it also cares about protecting natural resources and leaving a healthy world to future generations.
Permaculture Design: Key Principles and Practice Principles
Permaculture design is an approach that aims to create sustainable and efficient systems. Permaculture design is inspired by natural ecosystems and creates balanced and harmonious systems that meet people’s needs. Here are the main principles and application principles of permaculture design:
Learning from Natural Ecosystems: In permaculture design, it is important to understand the functioning and relationships of ecosystems in nature. Observing the interactions, cycles, harmony and durability in nature and incorporating these examples into permaculture designs ensures the creation of sustainable and efficient systems.
Identification of Key Sectors: In permaculture design, it is important to identify the key sectors that affect the system. These sectors are important points that affect energy flow and resource distribution. The design aims to increase the efficiency of these key sectors.
Zoning: Zoning allows the design to be organized effectively. Zoning classifies areas according to frequency of use and human interaction. Zone 1 represents the most heavily used and closest areas, and zone 5 represents the natural areas with the least human interaction. Various transition zones can be found between these zones.
Efficient Use and Circular Systems: In permaculture design, it is important to use resources efficiently and to create cyclical systems. It is aimed to establish circular and efficient systems in areas such as waste recycling, water management, soil fertility and energy use.
Multi-Purpose Design: Permaculture design supports the coexistence of elements used for more than one purpose in a space. Efficiency and functionality are increased by designing for multiple purposes such as growing different plant species, food production, water protection, and habitat creation.
Turning Limitations into Opportunities: Permaculture design adopts the idea that limitations are opportunities. For example, plants grown in a limited area or difficult climatic conditions can be turned into an advantage with creative designs.
Self-Sufficiency: Permaculture design aims to make systems as self-sufficient as possible. It is important to meet basic needs such as food production, water management, energy use with local resources and to reduce foreign dependency.
Communication and Community Engagement: Communication and community involvement are essential in permaculture design. Insights of local communities, knowledge sharing and collaboration in the design process are critical elements for the success of permaculture design.
Permaculture design does not focus solely on horticulture or agriculture. It also covers a wide spectrum such as energy conservation, water management, soil restoration, habitat restoration, settlement design and sustainability of social systems. Permaculture aims to offer a sustainable and durable lifestyle inspired by natural systems.
Permaculture Gardening: Using Natural Resources Efficiently
Permaculture gardening is an approach that aims to create sustainable and productive gardens by using natural resources efficiently. Here are some ways to use natural resources efficiently with permaculture gardening:
Soil Fertility and Soil Cover: Soil fertility is of great importance in permaculture gardens. You can use organic mulch to enrich the soil. Organic mulch saves water by keeping the soil moist, suppresses weeds and helps retain nutrients in the soil.
Water Management: Water management is an important element of permaculture gardening and the basis for the efficient use of natural resources. You can use rain barrels or a water tank to collect rainwater. You can also use techniques such as drainage channels, slope terraces and channels that direct water to allow rainwater to seep slowly into the ground.
Compact Growing and Multi-Tier Gardens: It is common to grow plants in a compact, multi-tiered manner in permaculture gardens. Vegetation provides high productivity and retains soil moisture and nutrients. By growing more plants in smaller areas, you can maximize land use.
Mixed Culture and Polyculture: It is common to grow plants in permaculture gardens using mixed culture and polyculture techniques. Cultivation of different plant species together increases soil fertility, reduces the spread of pests and promotes mutual benefits between plants.
Authentic Plant Selection: Permaculture gardening emphasizes the selection of plants suitable for your area. By creating gardens based on local plant species and varieties, you can meet your water and nutrient needs in the most appropriate way. At the same time, you can increase insect and bird populations by supporting natural pollination and local habitats.
Composting and Recycling: Waste management is of great importance in permaculture gardens. You can recycle organic waste through composting and produce your own compost. Compost helps enrich the soil with nutrients and reduces the use of chemical fertilizers.
Use of Local Resources: The use of local resources is important in permaculture gardening. By using local mulch materials, local seeds and plant varieties, you can create gardens that are compatible with local ecosystems and natural resources.
Natural Pest Control: Natural pest control is important in permaculture gardening. Instead of chemical pesticides, you can use techniques that keep pests in balance with their natural enemies. For example, you can add flowers and shrubs to attract beneficial insects, or use fungi or plant-based natural remedies for pests.
Permaculture gardening aims to create sustainable and productive gardens by using natural resources efficiently. By taking inspiration from natural systems with these methods, you can make your garden productive and contribute to the conservation of natural resources.
Water Management: Rainwater Collection and Sustainable Irrigation Systems
Rainwater Collection:
Rain Barrels: Rain barrels are a common method of collecting and storing rainwater. You can direct the rainwater from the roof into the barrels using a filter system. You can use this water for garden irrigation or other uses.
Cisterns: Large sized cisterns can be used to store more rainwater. You can use this water during dry periods and thus save water. Ideal for cisterns, garden irrigation or other domestic water needs.
Drainage Systems: You can use drainage systems to collect rainwater. Gutters and stormwater drains that direct rainwater can nourish your garden’s soil and help you use water effectively.
Sustainable Irrigation Systems:
Drip Irrigation System: The drip irrigation system is a method that sends water directly to the plants and minimizes water loss. In this system, water is dripped directly into the root areas of the plants through hoses or pipes. This increases water efficiency by ensuring that water reaches the plant roots directly.
Irrigation Channels and Ponds: Irrigation channels and ponds help to disperse water effectively in your garden. With soil terraces and water drainage channels, you can direct the water in a controlled way and ensure that the plants receive the amount of water they need. In addition, ponds allow water to be stored and used as long as plants need it.
Curtain Irrigation: Curtain irrigation is known as a near-ground irrigation system. The water source is located under the plants in the form of a curtain and slowly releases the water. This method directs water to the root zones of the plants that have more time to penetrate the soil and makes the most efficient use of water.
Multi-Layer Vegetation: Vegetation is a method used to keep the soil moist and prevent water loss. Multilayer foliage may include a combination of organic mulch, shrubs and ground cover plants. In this way, you can maintain the moisture level of the soil and reduce the need for irrigation.
Remember, conserving water with sustainable irrigation systems and using water resources effectively is important in permaculture gardens. Choosing appropriate irrigation methods based on local climatic conditions and plant needs and managing water efficiently will help you create a sustainable garden.
Ecosystem Supportive Design: Biodiversity and Habitat Creation
Ecosystem supportive design is an important component of permaculture and focuses on biodiversity and habitat creation. This design approach enhances ecosystem health and resilience by mimicking natural habitats and providing suitable conditions for a variety of plant and animal species. Here are some key principles of ecosystem supportive design for biodiversity and habitat creation:
Modeling Natural Habitats: Ecosystem supportive design encourages modeling of natural habitats. For example, you can create vegetation with different layers to mimic a natural forest area. You can increase habitat diversity by using different plant species such as trees, shrubs, grasses and ground cover plants.
Use of Native Plant and Animal Species: Using native plant and animal species is an important part of creating a garden or space that is compatible with local ecosystems. Native plants can meet the habitat needs of native insects, birds, and other animal species. This increases biodiversity and supports the balance of the ecosystem.
Multi-Tiered and Vertical Design: Ecosystem supportive designs encourage a multi-layered and vertical arrangement of vegetation. The growth of different plant species in different strata (trees, shrubs, grasses, groundcovers) offers greater diversity of habitats and resources.
Water Resources and Bodies of Water: Water bodies and bodies of water provide important habitats for biodiversity. Having a natural water source or an artificial body of water creates habitat for aquatic plants, amphibians and aquatic life. This provides support to a variety of plant and animal species.
Natural Corridors and Connections: Ecosystem supportive designs emphasize the creation of natural corridors and connections. Structures such as vegetation, fences, rows of trees provide transitions between different habitats, allowing species to move and migrate. This increases genetic diversity and maintains the health of populations.
Food Chain Supporting Elements: Ecosystem supporting designs incorporate food chain supporting elements. For example, you can meet the nutritional needs of various insects and other animals with a variety of plants. By supporting every level of the food chain, you can maintain the balance and health of the ecosystem.
Biodiversity and habitat creation are an important part of ecosystem supportive design. This design approach increases the functionality and resilience of natural ecosystems by providing suitable habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. It also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity while creating habitat in harmony with local ecosystems and natural resources.
Natural Energy Systems: Utilizing Solar, Wind and Biogas
Natural energy systems are systems that aim to produce energy from natural sources such as sun, wind and biogas. These systems reduce environmental impacts by making use of clean and renewable energy sources and contribute to a sustainable energy production. Here are some examples of natural energy systems:
Solar Energy: Solar energy is obtained through photovoltaic (PV) panels and thermal solar energy systems that produce electrical energy using the light and heat from the sun. Photovoltaic panels produce usable electricity by converting sunlight directly into electricity. Thermal solar energy systems, on the other hand, meet the heating or hot water needs by heating water or another fluid using solar energy.
Wind Energy: Wind energy is obtained by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy through turbines. Wind turbines generate electricity through generators by converting the rotational movement of the wind. Wind energy can be used in the form of large-scale wind farms or small-scale domestic wind turbines.
Biogas: Biogas is a gas produced by the anaerobic (oxygen-free) fermentation process of organic wastes. Biogas forms a mixture containing methane, carbon dioxide and other gases as a result of fermentation of organic materials (food wastes, plant residues, animal wastes, etc.). This gas can be used as fuel to generate energy. Biogas production provides energy production while reducing environmental impacts in waste management.
The advantages of natural energy systems include:
Energy is produced from clean and renewable sources, reducing environmental impacts and reducing carbon emissions.
Natural resources are unlimited and inexhaustible.
It reduces energy costs and increases energy independence.
It creates a positive effect in terms of sustainability and environmental awareness.
It diversifies the distribution of energy resources and ensures energy security.
Natural energy systems can be applied both in individual homes and in commercial and industrial facilities. These systems offer an effective way to meet energy needs and cause less harm to the environment by utilizing renewable energy sources. However, each energy system must be carefully planned and implemented depending on local conditions, budget and energy demand.
Food Production: Organic Farming and Growing Your Own Food
Food production is a process that includes organic farming and growing your own food. These methods are preferred to obtain healthy and nutritious foods, to use local resources, to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and to create a sustainable agricultural system. Here are some basics you need to know about organic farming and growing your own food:
Organic farming:
Use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: Organic agriculture limits or completely eliminates the use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. Instead, natural and organic fertilizers are used and biological control methods are preferred to combat pests and diseases.
Preserving the Nutritional Value and Vitality of the Soil: Organic farming aims to preserve the nutritional value and vitality of the soil. The use of organic mulch keeps the soil moist, prevents erosion and improves soil structure. At the same time, organic fertilizers enrich the soil nutrients and promote the activity of soil microorganisms.
Cultivation Without Genetic Modification: Organic farming prohibits the use of genetically modified (GMO) seeds and plants. Organic farming promotes biodiversity and native species-based agriculture using local, natural and traditional seeds.
Sustainable Water Management: Organic farming promotes the sustainable use of water resources. Irrigation methods aim to use water efficiently and to save water. Precipitation-based irrigation, drip irrigation, or other water-saving techniques can be used.
Growing Your Own Food:
Creating a Garden or Field: You may need to create a garden or field area to grow your own food. Depending on the size of your space and its intended use, you can grow a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Soil Preparation: Soil preparation is important for the healthy growth of plants. Soils rich in organic matter are preferred. By having a soil analysis, you can detect nutrient deficiencies and enrich the soil with organic fertilizers.
Plant Selection and Planting: Plant selection should be made depending on climatic conditions, soil type and growing conditions. You can achieve successful results by choosing plant varieties that are compatible with the local climate and region. You can support the growth process by planting the plant at the appropriate time.
Natural Pest Control: It is important to prefer natural methods instead of chemical pesticides in the fight against harmful insects. You can control pests by attracting beneficial insects, reinforcing vegetation, or using natural pesticides.
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is important when growing your own food. Keeping track of tasks such as irrigation, weed removal, fertilization and disease control ensures healthy growth of plants and yields productive crops.
Growing your own food allows you to obtain healthy and fresh food, increase your independence and conserve natural resources. By applying organic farming principles and natural methods, you can contribute to both your own health and the environment.
