The permaculture earthworks handbook : how to design and build swales, dams, ponds, and other water harvesting systems
Title:
The permaculture earthworks handbook : how to design and build swales, dams, ponds, and other water harvesting systems
Author:
Barnes, Douglas, 1969- author.
ISBN:
9780865718449
Personal Author:
Physical Description:
xiv, 177 pages : illustrations, portrait ; 23 cm
Contents:
The state of water : The Colorado ; The Aral ; Talupula ; Worldwide ; Spread of deserts ; War and conflict ; Where there is hope ; Just add water! ; References -- A look at the past : Petra ; References -- How water moves in the environment : The hydrological cycle ; The path of water ; Hydrology 101 ; The layout of landscapes ; References -- Designing for the whole environment : Permaculture and sustainability ; The design process ; Permaculture strategies ; Source to sink ; Reading the land ; The potential for overharvesting ; Permitting and legal restrictions ; Working with crews ; References -- Elements of design and implementation : Rain volumes ; Climate effects ; Temperate climates ; Tropical climates ; Coral atolls ; Drylands ; Decoupling catchments ; The path of water ; Soil ; Slope stability ; Finding contour ; Laser level ; Farmer's level ; Builder's level ; Water level ; A-frame ; LIDAR ; Mapping ; Determining slope ; Earthmoving machines ; Types of machines ; Bulldozers ; Excavators ; Loaders ; Backhoes ; Compactors ; Safety ; Topsoil and erosion ; References -- Water storage techniques : Ponds ; Cisterns ; Dams ; References -- Interception techniques : Swales ; Case study ; the Green Tree Foundation swales project ; Bench terraces ; Land imprinters ; Trees ; Spate irrigation ; Diversion drains ; References -- Applying permaculture strategies : Goal setting, planning, adjusting ; Zone planning ; Sector planning ; Stacking functions and functional connectivity ; Variations in structure and shape ; Flow ; Efficiency ; Where to start ; Case study : Circle Organic ridge point dam ; References -- Cautions : The dynamics of slides ; The role of water ; Sensitive clays ; Landslide triggers ; Post-slide treatment ; What went wrong at Aberfan? ; References -- Appendices.
Abstract:
In the face of drought and desertification, well-designed, water harvesting earthworks such as swales, ponds, and dams are the most effective way to channel water into productive use. The permaculture earthworks handbook is the first dedicated, detailed guide to the proper design and construction of water harvesting earthworks. It covers the function, design, and construction methods for nine main types of water harvesting earthworks across a full range of climates. This practical handbook is the essential resource for permaculture designers, teachers and students, landowners, farmers, homesteaders, landscape architects, and others involved in maximizing the water harvesting potential of any landscape at the lowest cost and impact--Back cover.
