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The Art Of Living Permaculture Site Permaculture Consultancy by Brecht Deriemaeker and Nick Tittle Bangalore, India 15 July 2013

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Page 1: The Art Of Living Permaculture Site - Permaville · What follows, is the result of a two week visit to the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram. We were asked by our friend and former Permaculture

The Art Of Living Permaculture Site

Permaculture Consultancy by Brecht Deriemaeker and Nick Tittle

Bangalore, India

15 July 2013

Page 2: The Art Of Living Permaculture Site - Permaville · What follows, is the result of a two week visit to the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram. We were asked by our friend and former Permaculture
Page 3: The Art Of Living Permaculture Site - Permaville · What follows, is the result of a two week visit to the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram. We were asked by our friend and former Permaculture

The Panya Project Brecht Deriemaeker Permaculture Design, Education and Consultancy Nick Tittle http://www.panyaproject.org 28 March 2013

Foreword

What follows, is the result of a two week visit to the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram. We were asked by our friend and former Permaculture student Venkatesh Dharmray to do a full permaculture design for a degraded plot of land. The sites equals seven acres and is in a severely degraded state due to overgrazing, erosion and leaching of the soils. From here on out, the site will be referred to as the Art of Living Permaculture Site (AOLPS). We would like to thank everyone who made this possible. Our dear friend Venkatesh for introducing us to this amazing community, Dr. Tripathi for his professionalism and agricultural advice, Santosh for his support, friendship, and network, Vijay for his cooperation and dedication for helping us out whenever we needed something and the entire ashram community for being so hospitable and open. In this project, Permaculture Design is being used to restore a degraded landscape in the Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore. The strategies, philosophy and ethics that Permaculture uses, are really similar to what the AOL is already doing and we believe that adopting Permaculture Design is going to be very easy and straightforward. As is inherent in all land-based design, what we set forward in the following pages will have to be incrementally changed as circumstances and needs dictate. Please make any changes with the same passion, enthusiasm and thoroughness we have used in the master plan and design.

Brecht Deriemaeker Nick Tittle Bangalore, India 13 July 2013

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Table of Content 1. Permaculture ................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Ethics ....................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Design Principles...................................................................................................................... 1

2. Observation and Survey .................................................................................................................. 2

2.1 Land survey .............................................................................................................................. 2

2.2 Resources ................................................................................................................................ 4

2.3 Budget ..................................................................................................................................... 5

2.4 Timescale ................................................................................................................................. 5

2.5 Client interview ....................................................................................................................... 5

2.6 Management Team ................................................................................................................. 5

3. Goals of the project ......................................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Mission statement ................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Key Functions of the design .................................................................................................... 7

3.3 SMART Goals ........................................................................................................................... 7

4. System Design ................................................................................................................................. 8

4.1 Overall layout .......................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Access roads .......................................................................................................................... 10

5. Water management ...................................................................................................................... 11

5.1 Swales .................................................................................................................................... 11

5.2 Ponds ..................................................................................................................................... 13

5.3 Rainwater Catchment ............................................................................................................ 14

6. Building Soil ................................................................................................................................... 15

6.1 Compost ................................................................................................................................ 15

6.2 Mulch ..................................................................................................................................... 17

6.3 Green Manures ...................................................................................................................... 17

6.4 Bio Fertilizers ......................................................................................................................... 18

7. Detailed Design .............................................................................................................................. 21

7.1 Contour Gardens ................................................................................................................... 21

7.2 Food Forest ............................................................................................................................ 22

7.3 Alley Cropping ....................................................................................................................... 28

7.4 Sandalwood Plantation ......................................................................................................... 30

7.5 Windbreak ............................................................................................................................. 32

7.6 Native Reforestation Area ..................................................................................................... 34

8. Implementation ............................................................................................................................. 35

8.1 August 2013 ........................................................................................................................... 35

8.2 September 2013 .................................................................................................................... 38

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8.3 October 2013 ......................................................................................................................... 39

8.4 November 2013 ..................................................................................................................... 39

8.5 December 2013 ..................................................................................................................... 40

8.6 January 2014 – May 2014 ...................................................................................................... 40

8.7 June 2014 – October 2014 .................................................................................................... 40

APPENDIX 1 – Plant species list APPENDIX 2 – Plant acquisition list

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The Art of Living Brecht Deriemaeker and Nick Tittle 1

1. Permaculture

Permaculture, as a systematic design science, was developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the mid-seventies. It aims at assisting people to become more self-reliant, through the design and development of productive and sustainable gardens and farms. It is the conscious design and maintenance of cultivated ecosystems which have the diversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems. Through harmonious integration of landscape, people and food production, it provides shelter, energy, food and other needs in a sustainable way. It is a philosophy and an approach to land use which works with natural rhythms and patterns. Through observation and interaction with the environment, a permaculturist is able to design and implement systems that go with the flow of nature, rather than against it. He aims at plugging energy leaks through the application of permaculture principles and strategies while leaving the earth richer than he found it. In Permaculture, three ethics and twelve design principles are used to guide us through the design process and to remind us of the importance of holistic and conscious design.

1.1 Ethics

1. Earth Care - The Earth is a living, breathing entity. Without ongoing care and nurturing there will be consequences too big to ignore.

2. People Care - If people’s needs are met in compassionate and simple ways, the environment surrounding them will prosper.

3. Future Care - We are provided with times of abundance that must be used to great a better world for the next generation.

1.2 Design Principles

1. Observe and interact - By careful observation and thoughtful interaction, we look at nature as an inspiration for our designs.

2. Catch and store energy - By developing systems that collect resources and store them long-term, we create resilience and true wealth.

3. Obtain a yield - Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.

4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback - 5. Use and value renewable resources and services - Make the best use of nature's abundance

to reduce our consumptive behavior and dependence on non-renewable resources. 6. Produce no waste – Closing loops on site and value every resource, nothing goes to waste. 7. Design from patterns to details - By zooming out, we observe patterns in nature and society.

These patterns form the backbone of our design. Why want to reinvent the wheel, if nature has been fine-tuning her systems for billions of years.

8. Integrate rather than segregate - By studying relationship between elements, permaculture aims at designing integrated solutions to problems.

9. Use small and slow solutions - Small and slow as an alternative to big is better. By working locally and growing slowly, we are able to work more efficiently, naturally and sustainably.

10. Use and value diversity - Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides. Diversity equals stability.

11. Use edges and value the marginal - The interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.

12. Creatively use and respond to change - We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time.

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2. Observation and Survey

2.1 Land survey

2.1.1 Primary use of the land now

The land is being used as grazing ground for cattle and hosts mainly thorny pioneer species, due to overgrazing. The primary crops around the land include potatoes, legumes, sorghum, tomatoes, bottle gourd, and corn. All around is terraced and plowed fields for agriculture. They have not yet planted out these fields as they are waiting for rain in July. The land next door is in a similar degraded landscape but it seems to have a wider variety of fauna probably due to the less intense grazing.

2.1.2 Geography

- Altitude AOLPS = 763 m - Bangalore altitude = 911 m - Coordinates land = 12.825265, 77.498752

2.1.3 Climate

AOLPS is located in the Indian subcontinent on the Deccan Plateau at an altitude of 763 m. It experiences a tropical savannah climate, with a Koppen classification Aw. Average rainfall of 974 mm, with the rainy season being between may and October with the majority of rain falling in Aug, Sep, and October. Average temperatures range from 19 °C - 29 °C, and receiving no frost, with the historic record low being 8 °C. The heaviest rainfall recorded in a 24-hour period was 159.7 mm recorded on 1 October 1997

2.1.4 Plant species

Due to the poor compacted soils, most plants observed on AOLPS are hardy pioneer species that are resistant to grazing from cattle due to large thorns or spikes. Plant coverage is poor on the ridges and exposed areas. Green vegetation grows around both existing ponds and not many other places. Sandalwood (including wild nursery under mature tree), Indian gooseberry, Bamboo and Neem are all present on the property and seem to be healthy. A nitrogen fixing ground cover has volunteered from neighboring agricultural fields on the north side of the property (closest to terraced agricultural land). Located around the bottom pond are cattails and a few other marsh reeds.

2.1.5 Animals

Currently, the land has been overgrazed by cattle. In the past, 220 cattle have been allowed to free range for two hours a day, with an unknown number of cattle grazing on AOLPS. Multiple bird species have been sighted on the land, drinking from the two present ponds (egrets, bird of prey). Additionally butterflies have been sighted around the lower pond. A large (2 m) snake was observed around the top pond, with locals saying snakes are very common on the land.

2.1.6 Events

The area has cows grazing it intensely. There is a road that runs through it, which is being used by the AOL to move their cows from one plot of land to another.

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2.1.7 Sector Analysis

Sun movement: o 20th of June: 66° o 21th of December: 50.3°

Azimuth angles: o 21th of June: 66° sunrise / 294° sunset o 21th of December: 114° sunrise / 246° sunset

Prevailing winds are North-West, through the valley Southwest monsoon is June until September June - august: South/western winds in Bangalore = windy + light to heavy rainfall September - November: North/Western winds = windy + heavy rainfall

2.1.8 Water

The site has two main ridges with a steep valley/seasonal stream running NW to SE through the center of the land. The water collects off the ridges and moves into the valley towards the bottom of the property. This water is caught in the lower pond. As this water runs off it creates bad erosion and caries the little top soil present to the bottom of the land, where it is trapped around the pond and stream. Almost all water falling on site drains down to either of two ponds with runoff being lost on

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the lower road and the agricultural fields north of the property. The lower pond also accumulates some runoff from the neighboring agricultural field.

2.1.9 Soil

The soil of AOLPS is extremely degraded, compacted and organic material deficient. The site seems to have a biomass and nutrient deficiency. Almost no topsoil was observed in initial site observations. Granite bedrock is poking out of the soil in multiple locations, suggesting that the soil is very shallow. After a soil sample, the clay content is approximately 60%. Due to the erosion and runoff collecting in the bottom pond, the soil at the bottom of the property is much healthier and contains more organic material than the rest of this site. The major soil type of greater Bangalore consist of red laterite and red, loamy to clay soils.

2.1.10 Utilities

The site has access to both electricity and water. The water is being pumped from an underground aquifer at a depth of 15 meter.

2.2 Resources

2.2.1 Human

AOL has an abundance of labor although it is not skilled labor. There will be one Indian supervisor who will oversee maintenance of the land as part of his 24 acres responsibility. Client has stated that with proper notice, as many workers as needed can be brought in (up to 20).

2.2.2 Tools

The client has stated that any tools can be made available as long as they are requested, 24 hours ahead of time through Vijay, the head of the maintenance department. Tools seen on site, include backhoe and multiple hand tools for Indian workers (hoe, crowbar for digging).

2.2.3 Plant material

A large nursery with many fruit trees and ornamental species is located within AOL and all resources of nursery have been made available

The AOL has a good relationship with outside nurseries and any plants within reason can be brought in, in whatever quantity needed

The AOL can easily purchase legume and ground cover seeds in local area

34 types of vegetables are grown on 220 acres of AOL land. Organic residue from the plants may is available.

Pruning from legumes around AOL is available

Coconut husk / fiber is available in large quantities

2.2.4 Organic material

3000 liters of biogas slurry are available weekly for the entirety of AOL’s agricultural production. Up to 30 % of total is available to AOLPS.

Uncomposted cow manure is currently spread on agriculture fields at rate of 5 t/ha per crop

Manure from 2 elephants, 6 ducks and one deer kept in AOL zoo is currently not being used

The food waste for 1000 people daily is donated to a local pig farm. It may be possible to divert some to AOLPS or to trade for pig manure.

Organic residue from kitchen is being dumped on AOL land by hygiene department and could be composted

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If recycling bin system is improved and/or sorted, huge amounts of organic material could be produced for compost

2.3 Budget

The budget is unknown as of now. The client has not allocated any given amount but is willing to invest in the project in terms of labor and tools.

2.4 Timescale

The project will be designed over the course of two weeks and then implemented by people from The Panya Project, Santosh Dharmraj and Indian volunteers over the course of sixteen months.

2.5 Client interview

2.5.1.1 How does the client feel about the current arrangement?

The AOL believes that AOLPS is degraded land that cannot be used for anything. The land around it has been terraced to be used for annual agriculture, but AOLPS was left out as they believed it was not economically viable. AOL has done some earthworks on the land previously that were not completely successful. Two ponds and a road were constructed, although the ponds currently do not fill.

2.5.2 Client’s vision and values

AOL is an international non religious organization dedicated to spreading a non violent and stress free lifestyle. AOL is run on a volunteer model. AOL’s international headquarters are located in Bangalore, where AOLPS is located, but they have regional centers in 150 countries and have trained more than 370 million people. AOL has numerous affiliate organizations dedicated to solving many of the worlds’ problems including organizations promoting organic gardening, indigenous plants and seed saving. The Art of Living's organizational structure has a board of trustees with a term of two years. Two thirds of the trustees change every two years. All the Art of Living teachers and the previous trustees are allowed to nominate a new board. Art of Living programs directly help to fund its humanitarian projects. The proceeds from the sales of The Art of Living Publications and Ayurveda products are also directed to their social initiatives.

2.5.3 Client’s needs

The client wants to set up an example of how to restore degraded landscapes and export this to farmers within the AOL.

The client wants to educate Indian farmers about the advantages of permaculture design as a strategy for land remediation.

The client wants to see examples of erosion combating strategies.

2.6 Management Team

2.6.1 Project coordinator

Venkatesh Dharmraj is the person in charge of the overall coordination of this project. He is going to make sure that the implementation happens accordingly to plan and will be the go-to person for any problems or challenges that arise during the implementation.

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2.6.2 Implementation supervisors

Santosh Dharmraj is in charge of the overall implementation of this project and will be on-site during the entire implementation. He has worked a lot for the AOL, and acquired hands on experience and a good network. Dr. Tripathi is responsible for part of the agricultural activities in the AOL and has access to much plant material. He is the go-to person for any plant and soil related questions and will oversee the overall implementation. Vijay is responsible for the maintenance at the AOL and committed himself to acquiring any tools and resources necessary for a smooth implementation.

2.6.3 AOL land supervisor

The land is part of a larger, 24 acres are. This area has one supervisor and twenty Indian workers responsible for it. These workers and supervisor will perform most of the maintenance work on the land. The AOL works with a action based plan, where every week, the workers will be dedicated for a certain amount of hours to the AOLPS.

2.6.4 The Panya Project volunteers

For the first months of the implementation, The Panya Project, permaculture education centre in Northern Thailand, commits itself towards sending volunteers that will kick start the implementation of the AOLPS. These volunteers have experience in setting up permaculture systems as well as coordinating projects and have been trained by The Panya Project as permaculture interns. The volunteers will commit for at least one month and will be in communication with the project coordinator.

2.6.5 Permaculture Consultants

Brecht Deriemaeker and Nick Tittle are outside permaculture consultants from the Panya Project. They are responsible for the design of this land. During the implementation, they can be reached through e-mail and offer advice if necessary.

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3. Goals of the project

3.1 Mission statement

To regenerate seven acres of degraded land by applying permaculture design principles and mimicking natural systems to create low-maintenance, high yielding perennial polycultures.

3.2 Key Functions of the design

1. Building soil 2. Catch and store water 3. Education 4. Food Production 5. Fodder Production

3.3 SMART Goals

- Building Soil o By July 2014, the entire area will be covered with a layer of organic material / cover

crops or living ground covers. - Catching and Storing water

o By the end of October 2014, the goal is to catch and store all water falling on site and create 0.6 acres (2500 m²) of water surface.

- Education o By the end of July 2014, the goal is to create an informative and interactive site

where people can see at least ten different permaculture strategies in action. - Food Production

o By the end of 2013, the site will prove that it is possible to have equivalent total yield per acre of AOL with lower manual input. In addition to this, the project will prove that it is possible to grow food in a site appropriate way, while regenerating the landscape.

- Fodder Production o By the end of 2013, the site will produce year round fodder for six cows while using

all support species from human food producing systems.

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4. System Design

The design laid out has been created keeping in mind the context, parameters, and limiting factors of the Art of Living Ashram. The design as proposed is only a starting point, how it will eventually be implemented will only be seen in the years to come. Our hope is that the information and guidance below, helps to plant seeds of inspiration and turn this land from a degraded state into pure abundance.

4.1 Overall layout

The design incorporates five distinctly different areas, called zones in permaculture design. These zones have been designed to be energy efficient and reduce the need for labor intensive maintenance. Frequently manipulated or harvested elements of the design are located close to the house in zones 1 and 2. Less frequently used or manipulated elements, and elements that benefit from isolation (such as wild species or native forest) are further away.

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- Zone 1 o This area has a building that serves as information and education center. In this

building, the use of permaculture design as a strategy for land remediation will be explained through the use of big posters. In addition to a building, this area is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, by integrating a herb spiral with the paths and the pond. It acts as the main entrance for the site. A detailed design of Zone 1 will be completed with the design of the visitor center at a later date. This is currently scheduled to come in November 2013 by our colleague Greg Crawford.

o The contour gardens host a variety of annual and perennial vegetables planted in garden beds on contour. By placing the gardens close to the main building, it is easily accessible by both students and workers for maintenance. The bamboo grove running east to west separates the two gardens, and provides on site mulch material. The pond above both contour gardens can be used for irrigation purposes, if required. However the main function of the ponds are slowing down the flow of water on the land, to create different microclimates, and act as part of the integrated pest management strategy.

- Zone 2 o The food forest has over thirty different species designed into it and generates both

long and short term yields. By placing it on the ridges and down in the valley, different microclimates are being used optimally and a wide spectrum of fruit trees can be planted. Through the food forest, swales run on contour and serve the purpose of catching and storing water in the soil. The food forest has been broken into two elements for the purpose of detailed design and implementation.

- Zone 3 o Alley cropping is an agroforestry practice in which perennial, preferably leguminous

trees or shrubs are grown simultaneously with an arable crop. The trees, managed as hedgerows, are grown in wide rows and the crop is planted in the 'alley' between the tree rows. During the cropping phase, the trees are pruned and used as mulch on the crop to increase the organic matter content of the soil and to provide nutrients, particularly nitrogen, to the crop. In addition to that the prunings can be used as fodder for the cows, especially during the dry season when fodder is in short supply.

- Zone 4 o The Sandalwood and Samarouba plantation is semi-managed, semi-wild woodland

for timber, wildlife and forage crops. As both Sandalwood and Samarouba are hardy species, it is located on the ridge, where less water and nutrients are available. This area has been intercropped with Pigeon pea to provide a short term yield.

- Zone 5 o The native reforestation aims at reintroducing native forest species and increasing

the biodiversity and wildlife on site. The area includes a pond with wetland and very rocky terrain.

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4.2 Access roads

4.2.1 Main access road

On the east side of the land is an access road for vehicles. This road ends at the parking and zone 1

area. To the north of this access road is a hedge of Madre de Cacao (Gliricidia sepium) and Moringa (Moringa oleifera). These species were chosen for aesthetical reasons as well as the edible Moringa leaves. On the south side of the road is the large dam, an aesthetically pleasing area with lots of wildlife and different water species. The main access road is 3 meters wide.

4.2.2 Paths

The main access road branches out south towards the contour gardens and the alley cropping and north-east towards the food forest and the native reforestation area. The north path connecting the native reforestation area and the food forest, passes through a view point. From here, the entire site can be seen as it is the highest point of the property. The required width of the paths are 1 meter, which is enough for two people or one person with a wheelbarrow.

Main access road

Viewpoint

Paths

Hedge

Parking

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5. Water management

5.1 Swales

Swales have the following positive effects:

- Catch and store water higher in the landscape - Keep nutrients distributed throughout the property - Reduce erosion - Infiltrate more water into the ground and recharge the groundwater table - Create high moisture micro-climate for flora and fauna

5.1.1 Design

Swales are small earthworks that capture rainwater running from a broad area, hold the water for a time and allow it to infiltrate the soil. They consist of a berm on the downhill side of a non-compacted ditch and can be dug by large or small machines or built by people with hoes, spades and rakes. It is important that swales are built on contour, using precise survey equipment. Three groups of swales are present in the design.

1. Five swales have been placed in Food Forest 1 a. Freeboard of 30 cm minimum b. Overflow in pond 3 or east of the swales

Irrigation ditch

Swales Food Forest 1

Swales Food Forest 2

Pond 1

Pond 2

Pond 3

Pond 4

Swale Alley Cropping

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2. Four swales have been place throughout Food Forest 2 a. Freeboard of 30 cm minimum and overflow in the seasonal stream and/or pond 2

3. One swale in the Alley Cropping a. This swale overflows completely and acts as sheet flow irrigation, down into the

irrigation ditch on the other side of the Alley Cropping.

Bangalore has an average yearly rainfall of 974 mm. This, in combination with the slope of the land, the runoff coefficient and the surface area, determines the size of the swales. We suggest the following dimensions to be used for the swales.

- Swale width = 1 meter (3,3 ft = width backhoe) - Swale depth = 0,75 meter (2,5 ft) - Spacing is approximately 15 meter - Positioning of the swales, see map and pegs on the land

5.1.2 Integration in current landscape

The swales are dug accordingly to the dimensions given above and have to be precisely on contour. If swales are not on contour, they act as irrigation ditches and do not confer the necessary benefits. Finding the contour lines has to happen with accurate surveying equipment and stakes have to be put in every 5 to 10 meters. A freeboard must be designed into every swale as an overflow area, minimum of 30 cm lower than the berm height. This freeboard allows the swale to overflow in case of catastrophic rain.

5.1.3 Irrigation Ditch

Located within the alley cropping is an irrigation ditch placed on the eastern side. This irrigation ditch receives the runoff from the alley cropping and directs it towards the pond that borders with Zone 1. The placement of the irrigation ditch is just before the last row of trees on the east side of the alley cropping. The alley cropping acts as the main catchment area for the pond. An irrigation ditch differs from a swale in that it is not directly on contour, but sloping slightly downhill (400:1), as well as having a compacted base to flow the water.

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5.1.4 Rocks on contour

By placing rocks on contour in between the swales, the water is being slowed down in between the swales. In addition to that, these long lines of rocks on contour will collect organic material and start building soil. We suggest one long line of rocks in between every swale. The rocks that came out of the soil while digging the swales should be used for this.

5.2 Ponds

Ponds are freshwater ecosystems that are tremendously useful in permaculture practice. They can provide food, medicine, water storage, sun reflection, filtration for waste, recreation and aesthetic value. A wide variety of edible species of plants can be grown in and around the margins of a pond.

5.2.1 Pond placement

The design requires the digging of two additional ponds. The placement of these ponds can be seen on the map. Pond 1 catches the runoff water from the alley cropping area and is connected to the irrigation ditch. The overflow of this pond is directed towards pond 4. Pond 2 gets runoff water from the southern hill, overflow from pond 3 as well as the overflow from the swales directly above it. The overflow from pond 2 enters into the existing seasonal creek and is funneled towards the big pond at the bottom. The existing Pond 3 receives water from the northern ridge and the south western ridge, in between two rows of rock. Pond 4 receives water from Pond 1, 2 and 3.

Runoff from ridges into Pond 3

Pond 3

Pond 4

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5.2.2 Pond species

Certain species of plants provide more functions and benefits than others in a pond. Multi-functional species are preferred in a permaculture system. Below is a list of possible plants for the ponds.

- Cattail (Typha spp.) o Shelter and nesting sites for small fish, amphibians and birds. Many edible parts.

- Watercress (Nasturtium Officinale) o Edible leaves and flowers. Good habitat for small fish and amphibians.

- Wild Rice (Zizania Aquatica) o Perennial grass that produces edible seeds and habitat for insects, small fish and

amphibians - Taro (Colocasia Esculenta)

o Edible roots, leaves and tubers. - Waterlilies (Nymphaea spp. and Nuphar spp.)

o Provide shade and shelter to many kinds of fish, amphibians and invertebrates. Have beautiful and fragrant flowers and some edible seeds or roots.

- Water Fern (Azolla spp.) o Provides cover for many small animals, shade for a pond and food for waterfowl.

Can be fed to ducks.

5.3 Rainwater Catchment

We believe that heavy industry and the use of pesticides in the region have potential to pollute the ground water and make it unsuitable for drinking. Rainwater is cleaner, healthier and more suited for both the people and the animals. Bangalore has a yearly rainfall of 974 mm which is more than enough to harvest all of the required water off one rooftop during the rainy season. Any suitable roof surface — tiles, metal sheets, plastics, but not grass or palm leaf — can be used to intercept the flow of rainwater in combination with gutters and downpipes (made from wood, bamboo, galvanized iron, or PVC) to provide the site with high quality drinking water. Size system

The system required for 10 people:

- 8 months of dry season - - 4 liter of water per day per person

The size of the rainwater tanks that provide drinking water for 10 people, during 8 months of dry season is 10 m³.

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6. Building Soil

Due to the very degraded state the land is in, a combination of multiple permaculture strategies and techniques will be necessary to build soil in AOLPS. Building soil has to be an absolute priority during the implementation of the design.

6.1 Compost

In a compost pile, microbial life transforms organic material and waste products into soluble plant nutrients. By making high quality compost, it is possible to recycle nutrients, add life to the soil and increase the soil fertility. It is highly recommended to combine multiple different ways of composting, thereby meeting different needs. (i.e. long term compost pile, thermophilic fast compost pile, compost toilet, earthworms,..)

Although there are many ways of composting, they are all require 4 components. - Carbon - for energy - Nitrogen - for microorganism reproduction - Water - for habitat - Oxygen - for respiration (some composting requires the lack of oxygen)

6.1.1 Thermophilic ‘hot’ compost pile

One of the fastest ways of composting, this method harnesses the power of microbial bacterial to break down the organic material. The most famous example of a thermophilic compost is the Berkley 18 day compost. This method should be used when compost is required quickly. Thermophilic compost is best used for annual plants, such as in the vegetable garden or around flowers. The advantages are:

- Rapid decomposition

- Kills the pathogens and weed seeds in the compost pile (pile must reach 65 degrees Celsius

for 72 straight hours)

- Volume stays the same

- High quality compost

How to make a 18 day Berkley Compost

The following steps describe in detail how to make a 18 day compost on site:

- Build pile by alternating layers of: o Carbon / Nitrogen o Layers should be around 10 cm thick

- Pile size should be no less than 1 cubic meter (i.e. 1 m x 1 m x 1 m) and no bigger than 3 cubic meters

- Total components should be: o 55% Carbon o 45 % Nitrogen o All components should be smaller than 2 cm thick (thinner than a finger)

The smaller your materials the quicker your pile will break down o If using food scraps put in the middle (to stop smell) o Inoculate with a handful of finished compost or forest soil o Optional : add supplements

Dynamic accumulators

Comfrey, Nasturtium, Dandelion, .. Effective Microorganisms (EM) solution

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Rock dust (from nearby rock quarry) Egg shells

- Flip the pile to keep aerated (oxygen) o Day 4 – 6 – 8 – 10 – 12 – 14 – 16 – 18 o When flipping check water content -> Squeeze test (should get 1 drop of water on

palm) o When flipping check temperature -> first few days(day 2-6) should heat up to

between 50 degrees Celsius and 65 degrees, then slowing cooling down over next two weeks. Days 6-16 should be around 40 degrees.

- Compost is finished when: o Pile cools down to room temperature o It smells like forest o Individual ingredients can no longer be recognized

6.1.2 Long term ‘static’ compost pile

Where thermophilic composting relies primarily on bacterial activity, static composting uses both bacteria and fungi to break down organic material. This composting method uses time to kill pathogens as opposed to heat, and provides good fungal dominated compost to be used around perennial plants (fruit trees, ornamental trees). The building process is the same as for a thermophilic compost, except that it is not flipped. Larger materials can also be used within this system as they have a longer time to break down (including large tree branches). Long term compost piles should be a minimum of 1 cubic meter and no larger than 3 cubic meters.

6.1.3 Compost Resources

Current internal composting resources

Carbon

Leaf litter from around AOL

Organic waste bins from around AOL ashram site

Coconut fiber / husk Nitrogen

Cow, elephant and duck manure

Biogas slurry

Legume prunings from around AOL

Organic waster from kitchen

Food scraps from dining hall

6.1.4 Troubleshooting compost problems

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6.2 Mulch

Mulch is the application of organic material on top of the soil. The benefits of mulching are:

- Temperature regulation - Moderate moisture content - Suppression of weeds - Improve soil aeration - Improve soil structure - Habitat creation - Slow release nutrients to the topsoil - To enhance the visual appeal of the soil

Because mulch breaks down, the continual application of it is necessary. Mulch should be reapplied in the vegetable garden as soon as bare soil starts to poke through, or every time a garden bed is replanted. In the orchard and around all plants, mulch should be applied one month before the onset of the rainy season, and reapplied 1 month before the end of the rainy season. Anytime bare soil can be observed, mulch should be reapplied. Mulch should generally be applied 5 – 10 cm thick. If mulch is applied too thickly it will continue to suppress weeds, but can lead to some fungal disease and inhibit the soil from properly breathing. Mulching is a major recommendation and an important step in repairing the degraded land. Mulching techniques should be applied throughout AOL on all agricultural fields as well as around ornamental plantings. Mulch reduces the need for continual weeding as well as lower the amount of water used during the dry season for irrigation.

6.2.1 Chopping and dropping

Through the entire system, it is important that we plant a large percentage of nitrogen fixing, leguminous shrubs and trees. These plants are placed as support species for the others, used to fix nitrogen in the soil, and create mulch material on site through a process that is called chop and drop. Just as the rainy season sets in, and at least once more a month during the rainy season, these support plants should be chopped back (coppiced) and their woody matter applied as mulch around our more important plants (the fruit trees, etc). This chop and drop action works in a number of ways to benefit the system. During the dry time of year, these fast growing shrubs and trees provide much needed shade for the system. When the rainy season comes, they are cut back. This pruning process sees a roughly equivalent amount of matter from the root structure also drop off, giving a flush of nitrogen to the soil. All the woody matter on the surface then becomes nitrogen rich mulch which also gives nitrogen, suppresses weeds, holds moisture, creates habitat, and performs a number of other functions for the receiving tree and the general ecology of the area. These legumes then sprout again, setting up their shade and ready to give again the following year. The legumes can also be used as a source of nitrogen in a compost pile.

6.3 Green Manures

Green manures are plants that are sown specifically to improve fertility. They are not harvested for food, and are either turned into the soil while they are flowing and before they set seed, or allowed to compost on the soil floor. Green manures are typically legume plants that fix nitrogen into the soil. Green manures should be allowed to biodegrade on top of the soil in the food forest, sandalwood plantation and natively reforested area in year one. Green manures have to be turned into the soil on any agricultural fields AOL is currently plowing.

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Growing green manures will:

Improve soil fertility - legumes harvest nitrogen from the air through a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria

Keep soil fertile - mop up plant foods on empty land, so they are not washed out by the rain

Protect soil structure - a cover crop protects the soil from damage by heavy rain

Keep down weeds - smother seedlings and compete for light and plant foods

Help control pests - provide safe cover for beetles, frogs and other predators

Stimulate soil biological activity - microbes and other soil organisms rapidly colonize green manure foliage dug into the soil. Increased biological activity makes for a more productive soil.

Loosen the soil - deep rooting green manures can help to loosen and aerate the soil deep into the ground

Protect soil life - a living mulch protects creatures in the soil from the extremes of weather

6.3.1 Recomended green manures

We recommend a mixture of Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) broadcast as a cover crop in year one and two. Cowpea acts as the initial biomass, growing quickly during the rainy season, but dying back once the rainy season comes to a close. Sunhemp acts as the dry season cover crop creating 5 – 10 ton/ha of organic material in a single year. Sunhemp should be broadcast at a rate of 25 kg/ha. Cowpea should be broadcast at a rate of 20 kg/ ha. Cowpea seed is soft so germination is usually rapid if moisture and temperature are adequate. Estimates of fixed nitrogen from cowpea often range from about 50 to 100 kg/ha. Both Cowpea and Sunhemp are promiscuous in their rhizobial requirements, but inoculation of seed with cowpea strain Bradyrhizobium, will help to ensure effective nodulation (same rhizobial as needed for perennial peanut). These plants create the initial biomass needed to jumpstart the land from a degraded state to an abundant diverse ecosystem. They should be allowed to grow full term, not harvested, and allowed to return to the soil in place.

6.4 Bio Fertilizers

At least quarterly applications of liquid bio-fertilizer to the soil helps to boost the micro-organism diversity and numbers to give the entire system a jump start on their processes, as well as gives the entire ecology a health boost. The most important time to apply bio-fertilizer is at the beginning of the rainy season, but doing it at least once every three months would be very helpful (you cannot do it too often). The benefits of making your own fertilizers include:

- low cost and low tech - recycling an otherwise waste product - providing nutrients in an easily accessed form to your garden (great for fast growing, leafy

green vegetables).

6.4.1 Actively Aerated Compost Tea

Compost tea is an aerated solution that is teeming with billions of beneficial microorganisms that can be applied directly to the leaf surface of a plant as a foliar spray or used as a soil drench to improve root systems. The idea is that compost (full of beneficial microorganisms) is put into water and then nutrients or foods for the microorganisms is added to allow the bacteria and fungi to multiply rapidly. Air is sent through the water to keep the water oxygenated, as this favors the beneficial bacteria and fungi over the pathogens (ex.-e coli). At the end of the brewing cycle, what you have is a concentrated liquid full of billions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes) that can then be sprayed directly onto the leaf surface. This puts the "good" biology

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where the plant needs it to protect itself. It keeps the plant healthier and helps it to fight off potential diseases. By using compost tea to replace chemical-based fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides, you can garden safer and be more protective of the environment. Advantages of compost tea

Increases plant growth

Provides nutrients to plants and soil

Provides beneficial organisms

Helps to suppress diseases

Replaces toxic garden chemicals How to make

1. Fill 120 L drum with clean non chlorinated water 2. Add 2 kg well rotted compost (compost should be pathogen free) 3. Add 2 cups of molasses 4. Bubble using fish bubbler for 18-24 hours 5. Spray within 4 hours of bubbler finished onto leaves and soil. Spray using backpack sprayer

not previously used for pesticides or herbicides.

6.4.2 Complete bio-fertilizer mix

Bio-fertilizer uses an anaerobic fermentation process to secure vital minerals in bio-available form. In these bio-available forms, minerals are less susceptible to leaching and more available to plant roots than minerals just scattered on the ground. Bio-fertilizers are particularly important to help replace these highly mobile nutrients. A detailed soil test will help you determine what minerals might be in short supply and thus what ingredients are essential to add. Regardless the receipt, below is beneficial for all tropical soils, especially ones as degraded as AOLPS. 6.4.2.1 Ingredients:

- 20 sacs of soil - 20 sacs of fresh manure (cow, horse, donkey, goat, sheep, or else) - 20 sacs of chopped straw (no more than 5 cm) - 1 sac of charcoal (small 2-3 cm pieces) - 1 sac of wood ashes (no charcoal) - 1 sac of rock dust - 15 l of molasses - 1 kg yeast - 300 l water - One 200 l plastic container - 6 buckets (20 l bucket)

6.4.2.2 How to Make

Part 1 - Mix molasses in 20 lts of water - Add yeast, dissolving it perfectly in the water (use your hands...mixing does not dissolve it) - Once you have the molasses and yeast well dissolved in water, pour it into the 200 l drum

and fill up with water (so you get a nice 200 lts batch of water+molasses+yeast) Part 2

- Spread one sac of straw on the floor (making a 2 m diameter mat) - Spread one sac of manure on top of it (making a 2 m diameter mat)

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- Spread one sac of soil on top of it (making a 2 m diameter mat) - Spread one kg of charcoal + one kg rock dust + one kg ashes - Wet the above cake using 15 l water from your 200 l drum

From then on, repeat the operation in order to build up a "cake" made of layers as described above. Water content should be 50 %. To test water content, take handful and squeeze. One or two drops of water should be left on the palm of your hand. Part 3

- Never add anymore water - Day 1-3: Flip the pile in the morning and evening, making sure all layers are mixed together

(similar to process of a flipping thermophilic compost pile) - Day 3-12: Flip daily - After 12 days pile should be dry and cold...ready to be used!

This is very raw compost and should only be used to top dress around plants, or scattered around land to act as a bio-inoculant.

6.4.3 Weed tea

This "liquid gold" contains all the nutrients those weeds were taking/ and accumulating from your land; so you can return them to the soil by applying the tea. Many weeds are dynamic accumulators and thus have a higher percentage of nutrients than the soil they were growing in. The liquid can also be added to compost heaps and used just about anywhere. How to make weed tea

1. Fill burlap bag with weeds from vegetable garden and fruit orchard 2. Add bag to 120 L drum of non chlorinated water 3. Add a stone to the bags so they do not float (bag should be completely submerged) 4. Let this soak for 4-6 weeks (until weeds have mostly decomposed) 5. Remove burlap bag and let water drain back into drum 6. Dilute this 10:1 (parts of water to parts of weed tea) 7. Apply it to the soil.

6.4.4 Contour planting of perennials

By planting perennial grasses and plants with deep root systems on contour, erosion on the steep slopes will be strongly reduced. Examples of plants that are very suitable for reducing soil erosion on steep slopes are Lemongrass or Citronella.

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7. Detailed Design

7.1 Contour Gardens

7.1.1 Design

Within Zone 1, two separate contour gardens have been designed. These will be raised annual garden beds, placed on contour. The placement of garden beds on contour has many advantages:

Paths act as small swales

Paths act as slow release nutrient composting areas (organic mater from garden thrown in path)

Contour placement stops erosion in beds

Reduces surface runoff of water

Raised beds were designed due to the degraded, compacted and rocky soil of AOLPS. Raised beds allow:

Increased growing space and microclimates (vertical edge of beds)

No soil compaction as beds and paths clearly defined

Ideal soil structure can be created, instead of having to deal with natural soil

Increased drainage over natural clay soils These two techniques have been combined to create the highest yielding, lowest maintenance system possible, given the available resources and specific site conditions.

7.1.2 Implementation

First, contour lines must be found to create overall “shape of garden”. Beds should be 1.5 m wide, to allow easy reach and harvest of all parts of garden from either side. We advise to not only use contour for the design of these beds but also keyline principles. This will direct the water away from the valley, towards the ridges. The garden beds themselves will be created through double digging techniques mixed with large amounts of compost. Double digging alone will not be enough as the soil is very rocky and has very low levels of organic material. Bacterial dominated compost, such as generated from thermophilic composting, should be used. Double digging involves removing the top soil layer, exposing the subsoil or hardpan beneath, breaking it up, adding organic matter, and replacing the topsoil that was initially removed. Double digging allows roots to reach deeper into the earth, where better-draining subsoil makes it less likely they’ll become water-logged or oxygen-deprived. Deeper roots mean plants don’t have to be watered as often. And more plants can grow in the same area because they don’t have to rely on the topsoil alone for moisture and nutrients. How to make

1. Begin at one end of the bed and dig a spade-head depth (approx. 12" deep or 30cm) trench across the bed's width, placing the excavated dirt off to the side (or in a wheelbarrow)

2. Work a garden fork into the floor of the trench, and loosen the soil by tilling this layer too. Continue until the soil at the bottom of the trench is loosened.

3. Dig a second, similar-size trench directly next to the first. Place the excavated soil into the first trench you dug. Mix soil with equal amount compost to create raised portion.

4. Loosen the soil at the bottom of this second trench with the garden fork as well. 5. Dig a third trench next to the second trench. Backfill the second one + mix compost, loosen

the bottom of the third trench, and continue this process until you have tilled the whole bed. 6. Fill the LAST trench with the soil excavated from the first. (The soil in the wheelbarrow)

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7.2 Food Forest

A Food Forest is a permaculture term referring to a perennial polyculture of multipurpose plants designed with the aim of producing food, fodder, fuel, fertilizer, fiber, and medicinal plants. Forests are the climax expression of natural systems and once covered almost the whole earth. Today, forest covers only 29.3 % of the earth’s land mass but hold 60-90% of all the world’s terrestrial (land-living) biodiversity. Food Forests seek to replicate the biodiversity and life sustaining systems inherent to natural systems while still producing goods for human consumption. Food forests differ from orchards, in that they are complete functional systems that at establishment need no maintenance. A food forest may not necessarily have all seven layers of a natural forest, but it does have multiple layers, and even more importantly, it is a virtually self-sustaining living ecosystem. In terms of form, the very thing that differentiates it from a two dimensional field of lettuce or any other monoculture is that it is a three dimensional structure. In terms of function, being a living ecosystem gives it properties and attributes that are not present in agricultural systems and many gardens. All fruit trees selected for the food forest have been observed growing on Art of Living land or within the AOL nursery.

7.2.1 Food Forest 1

This section of the food forest slopes down south-west with available sun and water increasing towards the bottom. The tallest canopy species were placed to the north with trees in descending height towards the south. Additionally trees with highest water needs are located to the south and the most drought tolerant species located at the top of the ridge. All support species have medium to low water needs so that they do not compete for water with the larger fruit trees during the dry season. Food Forest 1 is planted on a grid system with a seven meter spacing between canopy species. This spacing was chosen to allow light filtration to the lower levels of the forest to encourage undergrowth species in the shrub, herbaceous and ground cover levels. The shrub and herbaceous levels will act as support species for the canopy fruit trees by creating organic material through leaf litter, deterring pests, attracting pollinators, and accumulating N, P, K, C, S, Na, and Mg. These nutrients will be cycled through the system as the shrubs drop their leaves and/or are coppiced. These support species are necessary due to the extreme degraded conditions of the soil and the overall lack of biological life. All species were chosen and located within the forest based upon light, water and soil needs. We recommend sowing a ground cover of perennial peanut (Arachis pintoi) at a rate of at 10-30 kg/ha depending on seed quality and price, and the desired early stand density (10 kg/ha should be sufficient). Seed should be inoculated with rhizobial strain Bradyrhizobium. Perennial peanut will act as a living mulch fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, creating biomass, shading the soil, moderating soil temperature and creating a beneficial environment for the microorganisms of the soil food web. While broadcasting the ground cover seed, a mixture of sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) should also be broadcast as a cover crop. Sunhemp should be broadcast at a rate of 25 kg/ ha. Cowpea should be broadcast at a rate of 20 kg/ ha. Cowpea seed is soft so germination is usually rapid if moisture and temperature are adequate. Estimates of fixed nitrogen from cowpea often range from about 50 to in 100 kg/ha. Both Cowpea and Sunhemp are promiscuous in their rhizobial requirements, but inoculation of seed with cowpea strain Bradyrhizobium, will help to ensure effective nodulation. These plants will create the initial biomass needed to jumpstart the land from a degraded state to an abundant diverse ecosystem. They should be allowed to grow full term, not harvested, and allowed to return to the soil in place. Anywhere there are existing trees (not bamboo) within the newly designed area they must be worked around. They can be used as trellises for a vertical climbing layer. Passionfruit (Passiflora

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edulis) or Winter gourd (Benincasa hispida) seeds should be planted 15 cm from the trunk of the tree and allowed to climb up canopy. This creates a secondary yield from the previously existing trees without hurting the tree. In subsequent years, when soil fertility has been built and the soil is less compacted Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) should be planted within the tree rows. As both crops are a root yield they will not compete with previously planted crops and require low levels of sun light, so can be planted underneath the tree canopies. This will diversify the yield and add stability to the system. 7.2.1.1 Detailed Design

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7.2.1.2 Species

Canopy

- Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Avocado (Persea americana) - Mango (Mangifera indica) - Pomelo (Citrus maxima) - Guava (Psidium guajava) - Pomegranate (Punica granatum) - Banana (Musa sp.) - Madre de cacoa (Gliricidia sepium) - Flame of the Forest (Butea frondosa)

Shrub - Prairie Acacia (Acacia angustissima) - Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), - Tropical Comfrey (Tithonia diversifolia)

Herbaceous - Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) - Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - Lambsquarter (Chenopodium album) - Wild Hops (Flemingia macrophylla)

Groundcover - Perennial Peanut (Arachis Pintoi)

Initial Cover Crop - Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) - Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

7.2.1.3 Management needs

Forest Gardens inherently need more maintenance in the first years of establishment than they do at climax. In the first dry season after planting, the fruit trees should be watered deeply once every month. The Pomelo trees need to have a shade covering to protect them during the first dry season, all other species are ok with full sun. All fruit trees have to be pruned as needed to create an open vase shape allowing adequate sun and wind penetration. Improper pruning will result in decreased fruit production and unhealthy trees. Ongoing maintenance of the food forest will be in the form of chopping and dropping (coppicing) the Prairie Acacia (Acacia angustissima) and mulching with the organic material around the fruit trees. This should be done at the start of the rainy season and once every month during the rainy season (when precipitation exceeds evaporation). Prairie Acacia should be allowed to grow un-coppiced during the dry season to provide shade for the young fruit trees. Prairie Acacia (Acacia angustissima), Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), and Tropical Comfrey (Tithonia diversifolia) are all fodder crops that can be harvested year round and brought to the cows as high quality fodder.

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7.2.2 Food Forest 2

Food Forest 2 has been designed to maximize biodiversity while not lowing total yield of the system. This portion is on a north facing slope and will receive moderately less sun than food forest 1, while also being a little bit steeper. On the south side it is bordering a neighboring farm practicing annual agriculture which does not impact the sun or wind. The northern border is created by the seasonal creek flowing through the property from the top pond to the bottom. To the east is a small pond and a bund dropping down to the contour garden beds. As the species selected for this site are of varying heights, the spacing between them changes. On the western edge (bordering the sandalwood/samarouba plantation) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and Flame of the Forest (Butea frondosa) have been alternated at a spacing of nine meters to accommodate these large trees. The flame tree will provide mulch for the system through its leaf litter as well as attract pollinators for the other fruit trees. As the trees will need multiple years to close this nine meter gap, Papaya trees have been planted at a spacing of three meters between the flame trees and jackfruit. This will provide an immediate yield while the jackfruit mature. To the east of this, Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) and Rose Apple (Syzygium samarangense) have been intercropped at a spacing of seven meters. Both of these species are currently growing at AOL and seem to do well in the local microclimate. Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is placed in the spaces between the trees, where it will shoot up the gap towards the light and not affect the Sapodilla or Rose Apple. This increases the total overall yield of the system by stacking layers as well as time. In the area around the coconuts and just outside of the drip line of the Sapodilla and Rose Apple, Coffee (Coffea arabica) has been planted. Coffee thrives in the shade of other fruit trees while not competing with them. Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) and Madre de Cacoa (Gliricidia sepium) have been placed in the western most portion next to the pond and above the contour gardens. The Madre de Cacoa will act as a support species for the Starfruit as well being an important source of fodder during the dry season. These species are placed at a 4 m by 3 m spacing as Starfruit is an upright growing tree, fruiting from branches close to the main trunk. We recommend sowing a mixed ground cover of perennial peanut (Arachis pintoi) and dwarf morning glory (Evolvus alsinoides) at a rate of at 10-30 kg/ha depending on seed quality and price, and the desired early stand density (10 Kg / ha should be sufficient). Perennial peanut seed should be inoculated with strain Bradyrhizobium. Perennial peanut acts as a living mulch fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, creating biomass, shading the soil, moderating soil temperature and creating a beneficial environment for the microorganisms of the soil food web. Dwarf morning glory is a medicinal aromatic ground cover that is used in Aruvydic medicine as a brain tonic. It also brings in beneficial pollinators and deters pests. This is one of the most important steps in repairing the degraded land and creating and abundant diverse ecosystem. While broadcasting the ground cover seed, a mixture of Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) should also be broadcast as a cover crop. Sunhemp should be broadcast at a rate of 25 kg/ ha. Cowpea should be broadcast at a rate of 20 kg/ ha. Cowpea seed is soft so germination is usually rapid if moisture and temperature are adequate. Estimates of fixed nitrogen from cowpea range from about 50 to 100 kg/ha. Both Cowpea and Sunhemp are promiscuous in their rhizobial requirements, but inoculation of seed with cowpea strain Bradyrhizobium, will help to ensure effective nodulation (same rhizobia as needed for perennial peanut). These plants create the initial biomass needed to jumpstart the land from a degraded state to an abundant diverse ecosystem. They should be allowed to grow full term, not harvested, and allowed to return to the soil in place. Anywhere there are existing trees (not bamboo) within the newly designed area they must be worked around. They can be used as trellises for a vertical climbing layer. Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) or Winter gourd (Benincasa hispida) seeds should be planted 15 cm from the trunk of the tree and allowed to climb up canopy. This creates a secondary yield from the previously existing trees without hurting the tree.

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In subsequent years, when soil fertility has been built and the soil is less compacted Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) should be planted within the tree rows. As both crops are a root yield they will not compete with previously planted crops and require low levels of sun light, so can be planted underneath the tree canopies. This will diversify the yield and add stability to the system.

7.2.2.1 Detailed Design

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7.2.2.2 Species

Emergent - Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera)

Canopy - Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) - Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) - Rose Apple (Syzygium samarangense) - Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) - Madre de cacoa (Gliricidia sepium) - Flame of the Forest (Butea frondosa)

Shrub - Coffee (Coffea arabica) - Papaya (Carica papaya)

Herbaceous - Sesbania (Sesbania rostrata)

Groundcover - Perennial Peanut (Arachis pintoi) - Dwarf morning glory (Evolvus alsinoides)

Initial Cover Crop - Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) - Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

7.2.2.3 Management Needs

This system has been designed to mimic the natural pattern found in nature and minimizes human intervention. With canopy sized, deciduous legumes placed throughout the system, mulch will not need to be imported or even spread around. The Madre de Cacao can be harvested as fodder to stop competition for light with the Starfruit during the dry season and can be chopped and dropped during the rainy season to create mulch for Starfruit. As with Food Forest 1, in the first dry season after planting, fruit trees should be watered deeply once every month.

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7.3 Alley Cropping

The alley cropping is located in a semi flat area that has previously been terraced. A large ficus tree is located in the north end and twelve Indian Gooseberry trees (Phyllanthus emblica) are located in the south east corner at a spacing of five meters. The five meter spacing has been extrapolated through the rest of the alley cropping. If possible, a spacing of 10 m alleys would produce higher yields of annual crops, and should be the spacing if this system is brought to other sites. For this site, the spacing has been continued as an experimental site and because it maintains the ethics of AOL to not kill trees unnecessarily. Where permitted Sesbania (Sesbania grandiflora) has been planted in rows continuing the five meter grid pattern. These Sesbania trees will be pruned to grow espalier or fan style to allow for maximum growth while not shading the alleys. This area was chosen for alley cropping to maximize yield year round while increasing biodiversity. The Sesbania will act as a support species for the alleys, while its leaves and flowers can be eaten by humans, cattle and poultry. The Sesbania can provide much needed fodder during the long dry season. Sorgum (Sorgum bicolor) or Ragi (Eleusine coracana) can be grown in the alleys during the rainy season and a cover crop or sunhemp (Crotalaria Juncea) should be sown during the dry season to protect the soil. To the west, above the swale and berm, between the alleycropping and food forest there is a 25 m long strip approximately 5 m wide at the north end and 13 m wide at south. This area should be planted with perennial clumping grasses on contour to stop soil erosion of the steep slope. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) should be planted in strips. They should not be alternated, but planted in their own strips as they can be hard to distinguish for novices. Both Lemongrass and Citronella can be used in cooking or in the making of Ayurvedic medicine.

7.3.1 Detailed Design

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7.3.2 Species

Canopy - Sesbania (Sesbania grandiflora)

- Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica)

Recommended Crops - Sorgum (Sorgum bicolor) - Ragi (Eleusine coracana)

Dry season Cover Crop

Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea)

7.3.3 Management needs

The growing of annual crops in tropical regions caries a significant amount of management compared to perennials. This alley cropping system has been designed to reduce ongoing maintenance while still producing high yields. Sorgum and Ragi are traditionally grown as rain fed crops although irrigation should be provided whenever rains are not received. At the time of flowering and grain filling stages, the crop requires more water. If enough moisture is not there in the soil at the time of flowering and grain filling, it should be irrigated at once. At no stage, the plants should be allowed to wilt. Irrigation can come gravity fed from the top pond through a siphon system installed as needed. The cover crop of Sunhemp should be sown as soon as Sorgum or Ragi are harvested to receive end of rainy season rains. Sunhemp can be allowed to grow for 6-8 weeks and then cut every 4 weeks as mulch throughout the dry season. If Sunhemp is needed as fodder, cut at same times as cover crop, but carry to cows.

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7.4 Sandalwood Plantation

The Sandalwood plantation occupies the southwest corner of the property and as the highest point on the property, is some of the most exposed. It receives the strong southwest monsoon winds bringing the rainy season and has very shallow soil with the bedrock poking up in multiple places. These factors combine to limit the possible species that can be grown. We chose species that can stand up to strong winds, rocky compacted clay soils, and are drought resistant. Two swales have also been integrated into the system to retain any water falling on site and slow flow the water through the plantation. Any overflow of the swales will spill into the creek and continue into the pond, located at the east end of the food forest. We have chosen to intercrop Sandalwood (Santalum album) and Paradise tree (Simarouba glauca) at a spacing of 5 meters in alternate rows on rough contour. The planting of these trees on contour will help to hold all available water and nutrients as high in the landscape as possible. The Sandalwood plantation will be sheltered from wind by a five meter wide windbreak, running along the west and south side. Sandalwood is a medicinal timber species commonly grown in Karnataka and already observed growing well on the site (one of the most prevalent species observed during initial site observations). The oil content and quality of sandalwood decreases as soil fertility increases so it has been chosen for this degraded land. Paradise tree is a local species highly touted for its medicinal uses in Ayurvedic medicine (treatment of diabetes) and for its high oil content. The paradise tree has been touted as the future of biofuels for its high yielding, high quality oil. The oil cake can also be fed to animals or used in compost / vermiculture production. Pigeon Pea (Cajun cajanus), a shrub level drought tolerant legume, has been selected as the sole understory species to perform a multipurpose role. It provides an immediate edible yield (main ingredient of the Indian dish ‘toor dhal’) while the slower growing canopy species get established. Pigeon pea has been reported to produce at a rate of 2 - 5 Ton/ ha. The Pigeon pea will be planted at a spacing of 1,5 m. Additionally, the pigeon pea supports the canopy species by fixing nitrogen and can be used as a fodder crop if needed (will reduce bean yield). We recommend sowing a ground cover of perennial peanut (Arachis pintoi) at a rate of at 10-30 kg/ha depending on seed quality and price, and the desired early stand density (10 kg/ha should be sufficient). Seed should be inoculated with rhizobial strain Bradyrhizobium. Perennial peanut will act as a living mulch fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, creating biomass, shading the soil, moderating soil temperature and creating a beneficial environment for the microorganisms of the soil food web. We recommend an initial cover crop of a mixture of Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) should also be broadcast as a cover crop. Sunhemp should be broadcast at a rate of 25 kg/ ha. Cowpea should be broadcast at a rate of 20 kg/ ha. Cowpea seed is soft so germination is usually rapid if moisture and temperature are adequate. Estimates of fixed nitrogen from cowpea often range from about 50 to 100 kg/ha. Both Cowpea and Sunhemp are promiscuous in their rhizobial requirements, but inoculation of seed with cowpea strain Bradyrhizobium, will help to ensure effective nodulation (same rhizobial as needed for perennial peanut). These plants create the initial biomass needed to jumpstart the land from a degraded state to an abundant diverse ecosystem. They should be allowed to grow full term, not harvested, and allowed to return to the soil in place.

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7.4.1 Species:

Canopy: - Sandalwood (Santalum album) - Paradise Tree (Simarouba glauca)

Shrub: - Pigeon Pea (Cajun cajanus)

Groundcover - Perennial Peanut (Arachis pintoi) - Dwarf morning glory (Evolvus alsinoides)

Initial Cover Crop: - Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea)

- Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

7.4.2 Management needs

This area has been designed to require very little maintenance. Once the plants have been established the only ongoing maintenance should be the harvesting of the Pigeon Pea. This can be done on an ongoing basis, or can be batch harvested with the plants being slashed, used as mulch and allowed to regrow. Pigeon pea has a life span of 4-5 years and will need to be replanted in the 4th rainy season to continue productive harvest. In year 4, cut current pigeon pea 15 cm above ground and use organic material to mulch new seedlings.

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7.5 Windbreak

Windbreaks perform multiple functions and have multiple benefits

Provide shield for structures, crops, livestock and people

Modify the environmental conditions or microclimate inside the sheltered zone, which results in improved production and plant growth

Contribute to global warming mitigation by sequestering carbon dioxide gases in the air and store them as carbon in biomass and soils

Improve air quality by reducing and intercepting air borne particulate matter (including plant pathogens), chemicals, and odors

Reduce soil erosion from wind

Conserve soil moisture.

Protect plants from wind related damage

Enhance biodiversity from microscopic biota such as fungi and soil microbes to invertebrates such as beneficial insects and vertebrates such as birds, mammals and other wildlife and various beneficial flora and fauna

Provide noise screens

Provide visual screens

Delineate property and field boundaries

Add aesthetic beauty to the landscape The windbreak runs along the entire west side of the property and the western most 50 meters of the south side. The windbreak shelters the rest of the property from the strong winds that could otherwise negatively affect fruit formation from the productive fruit trees. Windbreaks redirect the wind up and over the trees and provide a sheltering effect for eight times the height of the tallest trees. As wind blows against a windbreak, air pressure builds up on the windward side (the side toward the wind), and decreases on the leeward side (the side away from the wind). Windbreak structure, height, density, number of rows, species composition, length, orientation and continuity determines which path the wind will take, and as a result, determines how effective the windbreak will be in reducing wind speed and changing the microclimate We have chosen species that can withstand strong winds as well as provide a secondary yield. The windbreak is three layers thick with each layer progressively getting taller. The rows are alternately planted to maximize the number of trees we can place and minimize the space between the trees. Gaps in a windbreak become funnels that accelerate wind flow, creating areas on the downwind side of the gap in which wind speeds often exceed open field wind speeds. Where gaps occur, the effectiveness of the windbreak is diminished.

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7.5.1 Species:

1st Row - Phalsa (Grewia asiatica) - Wild Hops (Flemingia macrophylla)

2nd Row - Neem (Azadirachta indica)

3rd Row - Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Initial Cover Crop - Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) - Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

7.5.2 Management needs

All species have been chosen for their low maintenance requirements. Species have been specifically selected for their height so as not to require pruning or coppicing. As gaps decrease efficiency of windbreak any dead or unhealthy trees should be replaced as soon as possible.

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7.6 Native Reforestation Area

The north west corner of the property has been chosen to reforest with native vegetation whose natural habitat is diminishing. This area includes a pond, wetland and many rocks. Once established, it will function as a Permaculture zone 5. Within permaculture, Zone 5 is a wilderness conservation area, a space that provides us with the opportunity to step down from our role of controlling nature, to one where we can just witness nature in its pure form. Where we can simply observe the cycles of nature and learn from what we see. It is a place where people can meditate and reconnect with nature. The area should function as a natural forest-providing habitat for native flora and fauna. This will help to ensure the animal biodiversity of the entire ashram site as well as bringing in important local species whose native habitat is disappearing. The Karnataka forest department should be consulted as to what species need preservation and are appropriate for the local microclimate.

7.6.1 Management needs

As this area has been designated as a nature belt, there will be little to no maintenance. The area should function as a natural forest providing habitat for native fauna.

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8. Implementation

Color codes have been used to indicate the kind of work.

- Red = Earthworks - Green = Planting - Orange = Hardscaping - Blue = Natural Building

8.1 August 2013

August is a very important month in the initial implementation of the site. Both earthworks and the majority of planting must be completed before the end of August if the trees are to be established this year. If trees cannot be planted by the end of August, finish in September. In addition to the tasks described below, soil needs to be built continuously and aggressively, by applying the methods described in chapter 6. This is a priority as it will determine the success of the project.

When planting out, use generous amounts of compost to offset the lifeless degraded soil being planted into. If compost is not used around the new trees, growth will be stunted and yields will be permanently affected.

Earthworks

Dig Swales

Earthworks

Dig Pond 3 and 4 +

Irrigation ditch

Earthworks

Dig swale overflow and compact berm

Food Forest 1

Fruit Trees

Canopy level support

Food Forest 2

Fruit Trees

Canopy level support

Food Forest 1

Shrub level

Herbaceous level

Food Forest 2

Emergent Level

Shrub level

Food Forest 1+2

Scatter:

Groundcover

Covercrop

Windbreak

Plant three rows

Scatter groundcover

Hardscaping

Paths + rocks on contour

+ BUILDING SOIL

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8.1.1 Earthworks (see chapter 5)

- Ponds o Between alley cropping + Zone 1 o In FF 2, above contour garden south

- Swales o In FF 1 o In FF 2 o In Plantation o In Alley Cropping

- Irrigation ditch o East side of alley cropping, as described in 5.1.1

- Level out mound between Zone 1 + East pond - Dig overflow for swales as described in 5.1

8.1.2 Planting

Food Forest 1 (see 7.2.1)

- Fruit trees o Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) o Avocado (Persea americana) o Mango (Mangifera indica) o Pomelo (Citrus maxima) o Guava (Psidium guajava) o Pomegranate (Punica granatum) o Banana (Musa sp.)

- Canopy level support trees o Madre de cacoa (Gliricidia sepium) o Flame of the Forest (Butea frondosa)

Food Forest 2 (see 7.2.2)

- Fruit trees o Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) o Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) o Rose Apple (Syzygium samarangense) o Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola)

- Canopy Level Support Trees o Madre de cacoa (Gliricidia sepium) o Flame of the Forest (Butea frondosa)

Food Forest 1 (see 7.2.1)

- Shrub level plants o Prairie Acacia (Acacia angustissima) o Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), o Tropical Comfrey (Tithonia diversifolia)

- Herbaceous level plants o Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) o Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) o Lambsquarter (Chenopodium album) o Wild Hops (Flemingia macrophylla)

Food Forest 2 (see 7.2.2)

- Emergent Layer o Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera)

- Shrub level plants o Coffee (Coffea arabica)

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o Papaya (Carica papaya) Food Forest 1 (see 7.2.1)

- Scatter groundcover + cover crop seeds o Perennial Peanut (Arachis Pintoi) o Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) o Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata

Must be done last, as area should not be walked on after seeds scattered Food Forest 2 (see 7.2.2)

- Scatter herbaceous + groundcover + cover crop seeds o Sesbania (sesbania rostrata) o Perennial Peanut (Arachis Pintoi) o Dwarf morning glory (Evolvus alsinoides) o Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) o Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata

Must be done last, as area should not be walked on after seeds scattered

8.1.3 Windbreak (see 7.5)

- Phalsa (Grewia asiatica) - Wild Hops (Flemingia macrophylla) - Neem (Azadirachta indica) - Scatter cover crop seeds - Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) - Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

o Must be done last, as area should not be walked on after seeds scattered - Plant out using an appropriate windbreak pattern

8.1.4 Hardscaping

- Hardscaping of path system o Placement of excess rocks from digging swale all along path borders to define edge o Place rocks in the swale so it forms a bridge and people can cross

- Place rocks on contour in between swales as described in 5.1.4.

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8.2 September 2013

All trees to be planted in 2013 must be in ground before end of September. This allows trees minimum one

month (October) to acclimate to new location before rains end, and harsher dry season weather sets in. In addition to the tasks described below, soil needs to be built continuously and aggressively, by applying the methods described in chapter 6. This is a priority as it will determine the success of the project.

When planting out, use generous amounts of compost to offset the lifeless degraded soil being planted into. If compost is not used around the new trees, growth will be stunted and yields will be permanently affected. Alley Cropping (see 7.3)

- Canopy level trees o Sesbania (Sesbania grandiflora)

Plantation (see 7.4)

- Canopy level trees o Sandalwood (Santalum album) o Paradise Tree (Simarouba glauca)

- Shrub level o Pigeon Pea (Cajun cajanus)

- Scatter groundcover + cover crop seeds o Perennial Peanut (Arachis Pintoi) o Dwarf morning glory (Evolvus alsinoides) o Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) o Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata

Must be done last, as area should not be walked on after seeds scattered Alley Cropping (see 7.3)

- Cultivation and sowing of crop o Sorgum (Sorgum bicolar) or Ragi (Eleusine coracana)

Native Reforestation (see 7.6)

- Scatter cover crop seeds o Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) o Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata

Must be done last, as area should not be walked on after seeds scattered

Alley Cropping

Canopy level trees

Plantation

Canopy level trees

Plantation

Shrub level

Plantation

Scatter:

Groundcover

Covercrop

Alley Cropping

Cultivation of 1st crop

Native reforestation

Scatter:

Covercrop

+ BUILDING SOIL

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8.3 October 2013

This month will focus on the construction of the contour garden beds and the maintenance of the previously planted trees. In addition to the tasks described below, soil needs to be built continuously and aggressively, by applying the methods described in chapter 6. This is a priority as it will determine the success of the project.

Maintenance of previously planted trees

- Continual evaluation of trees planted during August and September must be performed. Make sure all trees look healthy and are mulched well.

Contour gardens (see 7.1)

Find important contour lines on site Design of contour gardens

o Applying keyline design principles to distribute water to the ridges o Carefully design paths

Construction of contour garden beds as described in 7.1.2 Cultivation of contour gardens

8.4 November 2013

As we enter the dry season, all of the planting needs to be finished by now. In the dry season, the project will focus on zone 1. This includes the design and construction of the visitor center and the landscaping around the zone 1. In addition to the tasks described below, soil needs to be built continuously and aggressively, by applying the methods described in chapter 6. This is a priority as it will determine the success of the project

Maintenance of previously planted

trees

Contour gardens

Design

Implementation

Contour gardens

Construction

Initial cultivation

Zone 1

Design

Zone 1

Construction parking area

Zone 1

Design earthen visitor center

Zone 1

Start construction earthen visitor center

Evaluation

Holding capacity dams

+ BUILDING SOIL

+ BUILDING SOIL

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8.4.1 Zone 1

- Zone 1 Design o Landscaping and placement of visitor center

- Construction of the parking area - Earthen Visitor Center Design

o For this task, Gregory Crawford and Maina, natural builders from The Panya Project will be brought. They will be responsible for the design and construction of this structure.

- Start construction of the Visitor Center

8.4.2 Evaluation

- Evaluate holding capacity of ponds versus catchment o If needed, pond 4 can be reshaped to make it smaller and enlarge zone 1 area around it.

This has to be carefully evaluated, as at the time of writing, important information concerning the sealing of pond 4 was lacking.

8.5 December 2013

In December, the goal is to finish the construction of the Visitor Center and to apply compost and mulch to every tree planted in August and September. In addition to that, additional soil building strategies are strongly advised. See chapter 6.

8.6 January 2014 – May 2014

When the Visitor Center is finished, water catchment for drinking water has to be installed in January. In addition to that, during the dry season, the earthworks need to be evaluated and if necessary redone. Use the feedback from rainy season 1 carefully. During the dry season, aggressive soil building strategies need to be applied as well as maintenance and harvest of the contour gardens. We advice a monthly application of compost, mulch and compost tea around all the trees. During this period, the Karnataka forest departments need to be contacted about the native reforestation area. It is important to map endangered species and design this area carefully.

8.7 June 2014 – October 2014

At the start of the second rainy season, any leftover planting in zone 2,3,4 needs to be finished. In addition to that, the native forest in Zone 5 needs to be planted. Evaluation of the planted out areas is important, as it will give important information on how to plant out the zone 5 area. Also, if necessary, replant trees that they did not survive the dry season.

Zone 1

Construction Visitor Center

Zone 1

Finish hardscaping the paths

Planting

Compost around every tree

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APPENDIX 1

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CommonName Scien,ficName HeightSpacingRequired Nfix

LightRequirenments

WaterRequirenments Uses Other

EmergentCoconut Cocos nucifera 12m 6‐9m Full Medium Seed

CanopySpeciesUmbrellaThorn Acacia planiformis 30m yes Full DroughtTolerant Fodder Deciduous

Bealtree Aegle marmelos 9‐12m 4‐6m Full Medium Fruit.MedicinalJackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus 8‐25m 6‐12m Full Medium‐High

Neem Azadirachta indica 12m 3‐5m Full DroughtTolerantMedicinal.PolinatoraLracter

Palash/FlameoftheForest Butea frondosa 9‐12m 9‐12m Yes Full Medium Fodder.PolinatoraLracter Deciduous

Rock‐Breaktree Hardwickia Binata 20‐30m yes Full‐ParPal DroughtTolerant Fodder.SoilBuilder Can be planted directly into rock soil

Mango Mangifera indica  35‐40m 5‐10m Full High FruitSapodilla Manilkara zapota 12m 5‐10m Full Medium‐High FruitAvocado Persea americana 40m 6‐9m ParPal Medium FruitIndianGoosebeery Phyllanthus emblica 8‐18m 5‐10m Full Medium‐Low FruitSandlewood Santalum album 4‐20m 2‐5m Full DroughtTolerant Wood.Medicinal

Sesbania Sesbania grandiflora 8‐15m 4‐6m yes Full DroughtTolerantEdibleleaves+flowers.Fodder

Not suitable for direct grazing. Do not coppice until 2 m tall

ParadiseTree Simarouba glauca 7‐20m 5‐9m ParPal DroughtTolerant OilfromSeed.FruitRoseApple Syzygium samarangense 9‐15m 6‐9m Full Medium‐HighTamarind Tamarindus indica 12‐30m 9‐12m yes Full DroughtTolerant Fruit

UnderstoryStarfruit Averrhoa carambola 3‐5m 2‐4m Full Medium‐HighPapaya Carica papaya 5‐9m 2‐3m Full Medium FruitPomelo Citrus maxima 5‐10m 6‐9m Full‐ParPal High FruitMadredecacoa Gliricidia sepium 2‐10m 2‐5m yes Full‐ParPal DroughtTolerant Fodder.OrganicMaterial Deciduous

Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia 6‐10m 5‐9m Full DroughtTolerant Fruit

Moringa Moringa oleifera 10m 2‐5m Full DroughtTolerantSeed.Leaves.Fodder.Medicinal

Bannana Musa sp. 3‐5m 2‐5m Full High Fruit.PoultryFeed Stalk fed to poultry

Guava Psidium guajava 3‐10m 4‐6m Full DroughtTolerant Fruit

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CommonName Scien,ficName HeightSpacingRequired

NfixLightRequirenments

WaterRequirenments

Uses Other

ShrubPrarieAcacia Acacia angusFssima 2‐5m 2‐3m yes Full‐ParPal Medium Fodder.OrganicMaterial Deciduous

PidgeonPea Cajan cajanus 1‐4m .5‐2m yes ParPal DroughtTolerant Seed.FodderCofee Coffea arabica 2‐4m 2‐3m ParPal‐Shade Medium Seed

WildHops Flemingia macrophylla .5‐3m .5‐2m yes Full‐ParPal DroughtTolerant Fodder.MulchmaterialLeaves slow to decompose, good mulch.

Phalsa Grewia asiaFca 2‐5m 2‐3m Full‐ParPal DroughtTolerantFruit.Fodder.Medicinal.DynamicAccumulator

Deciduous Accum. P, K

Shami Prosopis cineraria 3‐5m 2‐5m yes Full‐ParPal DroughtTolerant Fodder.OrganicMaterialExtremly deep taproot, not compete w/ other tree.

pomegranate Punica granatum 3‐6m 4‐6m ParPal DroughtTolerant FruitSesbania Sesbania rostrata 1‐3m .5‐2m yes Full‐ParPal Medium Fodder.OrganicMaterial Short lived Perennial

TropicalComfrey Tithonia diversifolia 1‐3m .7‐1m Full Medium‐LowFodder.OrganicMaterial.PolinatoraLracter

Phosphorus accumulator

HerbacousLambsQuarters Chenopodium album .5m‐1m yes Full Medium dynamicaccumulator accum. N,C,P,K,Mg

LemonGrass Cymbopogon flexuosus .5m‐1m Full‐ParPal Low Medicinal.Mulch soil stablilizing root system

Citronella Cymbopogon nardus .5m‐1m Full‐ParPal DroughtTolerant Medicinal.Mulch soil stablilizing root system

WildTantan Desmanthus virgatus .5m‐1m yes Full‐ParPal DroughtTolerant Fodder.Forage Specific rhizobium association

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare 1m ParPal MediumSeed.PestDeterant.dynamicaccumulator

accum. Na,S,K

HolyBasil Ocimum tenuiflorum .2‐.6m Full‐ParPal Medium EdibleLeaves.MedicinalGroundcoverPerrennialPeanut Arachis Pintoi yes Full‐ParPal Medium‐LowSweetPotato Ipomoea batatas Full Medium Leaves.TuberRootTurmeric Curcuma longa 1m 1m ParPal‐Low Low SpiceTaro Colocasia esculenta .8‐1.5m .5‐1m High TuberGinger Zingiber officinale 1m 1m ParPal‐Low LowClimberWintergourd Benincasa hispida ParPal Low FruitPassionFruit Passiflora edulis ParPal Medium Fruit

Page 49: The Art Of Living Permaculture Site - Permaville · What follows, is the result of a two week visit to the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram. We were asked by our friend and former Permaculture

APPENDIX 2

Page 50: The Art Of Living Permaculture Site - Permaville · What follows, is the result of a two week visit to the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram. We were asked by our friend and former Permaculture

Plant Requisition List

CommonName Scien,ficName # Needed Details

EmergentCoconut Cocos nucifera 11CanopySpeciesUmbrellaThorn Acacia planiformis 1 To be planted above parking area

Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus 5

Neem Azadirachta indica Unknown To be planted in windbreak

Palash/FlameoftheForest Butea frondosa 4

Mango Mangifera indica  12

Sapodilla Manilkara zapota 6

Avocado Persea americana 11

IndianGoosebeery Phyllanthus emblica 0 Trees already planted in Alley cropping

Sandlewood Santalum album 23

Sesbania Sesbania grandiflora 49

Simarouba/ParadiseTree Simarouba glauca 25

RoseApple Syzygium samarangense 6Tamarind Tamarindus indica 12UnderstoryStarfruit Averrhoa carambola 14Papaya Carica papaya 60Pomelo Citrus maxima 6

Gliracidia/Madredecacoa Gliricidia sepium 27

Moringa Moringa oleifera Unknown To be planted in zone 1 and along driveway

Bannana Musa sp. 12Guava Psidium guajava 12ShrubPrarieAcacia Acacia angusDssima 39

PidgeonPea Cajan cajanus 119

Cofee Coffea arabica 44

Phalsa Grewia asiaDca 39* Does not include plants needed for windbreak

pomegranate Punica granatum 9

Sesbania Sesbania rostrata Unknown To be scattered as seeds in FF 2TropicalComfrey Tithonia diversifolia 39HerbacousLambsQuarters Chenopodium album 39

Sunhemp Crotalaria juncea Unknown To be scattered as seeds in FF 1,FF 2, AlleyCrop, Plantation

LemonGrass Cymbopogon flexuosus Unknown To be planted along all swales to stabalize soil

Citronella Cymbopogon nardus Unknown To be planted along all swales to stabalize soil

WildHops Flemingia macrophylla 39* Does not include plants needed for windbreak

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare 39

HolyBasil Ocimum tenuiflorum 39Cowpea Vigna unguiculata Unknown To be scattered as seeds in FF 1, FF 2, PlantationGroundcoverPerrennialPeanut Arachis Pintoi Unknown To be scattered as seeds in FF1, FF 2, DwarfMorningGlory Evolvusalsinoides Unknown To be scattered as seeds in FF 2 RootTurmeric Curcuma longa Unknown To be planted in FF 1, FF 2 in year 2

Taro Colocasia esculenta Unknown To be planted in bottom of all swalesGinger Zingiber officinale Unknown To be planted in FF 1, FF 2 in year 2ClimberWintergourd Benincasa hispida Unknown To be planted up existing trees in FF 1, FF 2, Plantation

PassionFruit Passiflora edulis Unknown To be planted up existing trees in FF 1, FF 2, Plantation