Description
Book Synopsis The Permaculture Earthworks Handbook covers the functions, design, and construction of nine types of earthworks to maximize water availability in any climate. It's a practical guide for landscape designers, permaculturists, and landowners seeking to maximize food production and ecosystem resiliency at the lowest cost and impact.
Table of Contents Introduction
1. The State of Water
The Colorado
The Aral
Talupula
Worldwide
Spread of deserts
War and conflict
Where there is hope
Just add water!
References
2. A Look at the Past
Petra
References
3. How Water Moves in the Environment
The hydrological cycle
The path of water
Hydrology 101
The layout of landscapes
References
4. Designing for the Whole Environment
Permaculture and sustainability
The design process
Permaculture strategies
Source to sink
Reading the land
The potential for overharvesting
Permitting and legal restrictions
Working with crews
References
5. Elements of Design and Implementation
Rain volumes
Climate effects
Temperate climates
Tropical climates
Coral atolls
Drylands
Decoupling catchments
The path of water
Soil
Slope stability
Finding contour
Laser level
Farmer's level
Builder's level
Water level
A-Frame
LIDAR
Mapping
Determining slope
Earthmoving machines
Types of machines
Bulldozers
Excavators
Loaders
Backhoes
Compactors
Safety
Topsoil and erosion
References
6. Water Storage Techniques
Ponds
Cisterns
Dams
References
7. Interception Techniques
Swales
Case Study: The Green Tree Foundation swales project
Bench terraces
Land imprinters
Trees
Spate irrigation
Diversion drains
References
8. Applying Permaculture Strategies
Goal setting, planning, adjusting
Zone planning
Sector planning
Stacking functions and functional connectivity
Variations in structure and shape
Flow
Efficiency
Where to start
Case Study: Circle Organic ridge point dam
References
9. Cautions
The dynamics of slides
The role of water
Sensitive clays
Landslide triggers
Post-slide treatment
What went wrong at Aberfan?
References
Appendices
1. Calculating Areas and Volumes
2. Calculating Runoff Volumes
3. Finding Slopes and Heights
4. Swale Spacing
5. Terracing
6. Costing Earthworks
Index
About the Author
About New Society Publishers
