After my recent book review on Jackie French's book, Let the Land Speak, I realised I had some resources I should share for anyone interested in land rehabilitation.
Here is a good website to get acquainted with some Natural Sequence Farming techniques. It has a lot of pictures to give some visual displays of what is possible to rehydrate our landscape in Australia.
From the same author, Cam Wilson, there's a PDF for Low Cost Erosion Control Techniques. Complimentary to that, is also a list of Native Plants which do well, in and around water bodies (specifically Southern Tablelands).
Still on erosion control, there is a page by John Greenfield, with anything and everything you ever wanted to know about Vetiver Grass, and how it prevents soil erosion. I tried implementing this grass last year in our gully, but the first deluge covered the slips with slit and they never emerged again. Thankfully, I still have the mother plant I can divide more slips from.
If you're a Peter Andrews fan, as I am, here is a list of interviews taken at Barramul Stud, one of the places he has worked tirelessly to restore the natural sequences to.
I have gotten the confidence to try new things on our property, thanks to some of this information. While it is mostly for Australian conditions, some of the information may be transferable to overseas locations - but always factor in your local elements and consider your local regulations as well.
Thanks for the links. Cam Wilson was my permaculture teacher. He was a great teacher and he's certainly in his element now.
ReplyDeleteSmall world! :)
ReplyDeleteCam started with Permaculture, but moved into more Natural Sequence Farming techniques, possibly because of the opportunities presented to him at the time. I especially like that Cam wrote a PDF about low cost erosion control, because that makes it more accessible to everyone.
I'm passing this on to my husband as he could use some erosion control information. We are starting to see these issues in our area due to intensive corn farming. Some areas, on windy days, look like the dust bowl era.
ReplyDeleteThat's so incredibly sad. :(
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, increasingly more common unfortunately. Dust bowls don't feed much, and all that water just washes the dirt away, instead of retaining it and growing living organisms.
The sadder thing is that everybody sees it and knows its happening but they continue forward like its normal.
DeleteThank you! You're right that so much is applicable around the world. Every little bit helps.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Because with every drop of water held back, it can be another day the land can withstand drought. :)
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