Traditional Agriculture and gardening methods use chemical approaches to feed a plant with often-synthetic versions of a natural substance to support the growth of the plant, not the growth of the soil as a living organism. The paddocks or fields in traditional agriculture are generally sprayed with a herbicide to remove any weeds and also sprayed with Pesticides to remove most other living beneficial organisms within the soil. Seeds or seedlings are then planted by drilling without any breaking of the soil surface. Repeated movement by tractors and harvesting machines also compact the soil.

These methods are used with the idea that soil erosion is being avoided which is a good thing. But unfortunately the down side is the soil is being effected in other ways through the elimination of beneficial soil bacteria, compacting of the soil, toxic herbicide and pesticide applications.

Soil works best when it is organic, loose, free draining and rich in micro organisms, earth worms and beneficial bacteria. It needs repeated applications of decaying matter, manures and similar things to enhance the quality of the growing medium.

Larger scale farms and gardens on sloping banks can benefit from the building of swales to capture and divert water as well as protect against soil erosion. Some inspiring farmers are now using hay and straw on sloping sites to cover soil and to build barriers to prevent soil erosion. These types of methods are far more sustainable than other traditional uses.

What we do in a small home garden can be duplicated on a larger scale by utilising the waste vegetation left after harvesting a crop and diverting it into compost or green manure depending on the type of material left after harvesting.

Combining Cropping and Grazing on the same property is a great way of eliminating weed growth  by strip grazing cropping paddocks before tilling or planting. To reduce the likelihood of transferring weed seeds from one area to another, farm animals should be regularly rotated between paddocks to prevent weed plants from developing seeds. Most animals will eat annual and perennial weeds but of the few they won’t eat like harder perennial weeds and rushes, burning is a good option of eliminating these from a paddock.

With a little outside the box thinking and a little bit of work we can easily build a soil up using organic gardening and farming practices while eliminating the need for chemical additives and encouraging soil micro organisms, beneficial bacteria and earth worms.

Though not hard, Permaculture could be considered a complex system of sustainability. Complex in that it capitalises on the benefits of a complete system.

Besides the obvious productive benefits of permaculture, your garden is a very calming and relaxing place that can restore balance to a stressful life. The fresh air and scenery brings back a sense of belonging with nature.

Key areas of a permaculture design system include:

1. Water – The collection of water forms possibly the most important part of permaculture. Water is the basis of life. Animals need water to drink, as do plants. We all need water to wash, cook and clean things down. Rainwater tanks are a key feature in a Permaculturalists back yard. The collection of grey water for watering the garden is also a must do. On larger properties swales are used to collect, divert or slow the flow of water down banks and slopes.
2. Animals – On small properties and backyards Chickens provide a regular supply of eggs and meat. Rabbits are also common and provide a supply of meat and fur. Choosing the right breed of rabbit can see young rabbits ready to eat by 8 to 12 weeks of age. On larger properties Cattle, Goats, Sheep and pigs provide meat, milk and leather.
3. Power creation – Permaculture systems can see a varied range of power supply from backyard wind generation to generators to Solar panels. Of course, although many permaculturalists will aim to be as self sufficient as possible, the use of mains electricity is still used by most Suburban Permies.
4. Shelter – I have seen many homes built using permaculture principles. From Mud brick homes built from bricks made on the property to mud covered straw bale homes. Traditional building materials and methods are also used.
5. Fruit, Vegetables and Grain – The list would not be complete without mentioning the Organic growing of Fruit, Vegetables and Grains. The animals have to eat something, so do you. Plants provide the basis for compost as well. Many vegetables and salad greens can be grown throughout the year in many areas.

Of course permaculture is much more than just the few things listed here. Permaculture holds a strong basis as a key measure to feeding the world one backyard at time. It requires an undertaking of personal responsibility and provides a level of Autonomy that no external governing system can deliver.