Permaculture

Overview

Aims of the Permaculture course from Warnborough College

• Develop a good understanding ofthe scientific system of naming plants.

• Discuss some of the aspectswhich play a part in permaculture.

• Describe how permaculture is different to other forms of horticulture and agriculture.

• Visit an outdoor environment areadetermine what relationships the living and non-living things might have with each other.

• Explain how a permaculture system operates. Considering:-Relative location -Multiple functions-Multiple elements-Elevational planning -Biological resources-Energy recycling -Natural succession -Maximise edges-Diversity.

• Determine some of the characteristics of soil samples collected by you.

• Explain contour maps and howthis information can be used to estimate potential effects on plant growth.

• Explain the relationship between soils and plant growth.

• Research different ecosystems such as arid deserts, savannas, mangroves, etc.

• Explain weather patterns in your local area. Determine why this knowledge may be important to the permaculture practitionist.

• Explain water within an ecosystem or permaculture garden and its application.

• Describing the microclimate of arid classification.

• Describe the differences between the three main types of climate zones (ie: Tropical, Temperate and Desert); and briefly give your views on what major differences would need to be taken in establishing a permaculture system in each climate zone, compared with the other two.

• Consider the impact of plant communities on each other and to the rest of the ecosystem.

• Determine the affects of light, rainfall, wind, leaf letter, etc, on the growth of the plants you observed.

• Explain the importance of trees in a Permaculture system.