Permaculture l

Lesson Structure: Permaculture I VSS104

There are 5 lessons:

Concepts
The basic theory and ethics of Permaculture
The Environment
Ecosystems, the web of life and interactions between living organisms
Soils
Soil management, fertilisers, nitrogen, cultivation, gas and nutrient cycles
Climate and Water
The hydrological cycle, infiltration, microclimates, the Greenhouse
Effect, water and plants
Forest Systems
Biomass, how natural systems relate to agricultural systems
Learning Goals: Permaculture I VSS104

Discuss the nature and scope of Permaculture.
Apply an understanding of environmental systems to considerations given to how a Permaculture system is designed.
Describe soils and the impact their characteristics have upon natural and man made environments.
Explain the application of this knowledge to Permaculture.
Describe characteristics of climate and water, and the impact their characteristics have upon natural and man made environments.
Explain the application of this knowledge to Permaculture.
Describe forest systems and their relevance to Permaculture design.
Practicals:

Develop a good understanding of the scientific system of naming plants.
Discuss some of the aspects which play a part in permaculture.
Describe how permaculture is different to other forms of horticulture and agriculture.
Visit an outdoor environment area determine 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 how this 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 such as 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 effects of light, rainfall, wind, leaf litter, etc, on the growth of the plants you observed.
Explain the importance of trees in a Permaculture system.