Permaculture design in an ecovillage : in theory and practise

Abstract: This essay presents guidelines how to approach a local ecosystem, taking into account biological, geological, chemical and hydrological assets in order to obtain a sustainable and self-sufficient farming system conserving and increasing local biodiversity. Biodiversity is a key factor in ecosystem structure and function. Conservation of biodiversity is now a legal obligation for the member states of the European Community. The guidelines will be presented both in general theory based on permaculture principles and with a specific case on a newly started ecovillage in Chozas, northwest Spain. The type of weed species found on a piece of land is an indicator of soil and above ground microclimate characteristics. Their indicator values have been used in the decision making of what species are suited for each specific field. The planting patterns suggested are designed to achieve a high yield with the use of as little labour as possible taking the observed parameters into account. There is a focus on perennial plants and plant combinations using different layers above and below the soil.Competition between species in mixed stands (interspecific competition) differs from that between plants within monocultures (intraspecific competition) in that the component species of a multispecies design may impose different demands on the available resources. Competition may be more severe between similar species than between species with contrasting growth patterns and nutritional needs. Even so, all plants compete for the same resources (light, water and nutrients). There is an overlapping of resource requirement with nitrogen fixing plants as an exception.