This is such an important aspect of permaculture that it would be difficult to overstate. Permaculture is ecological and an ecosystem runs and breathes based on its level of diversity. One of the hallmarks of a climax community, an ecosystem that has finished succession, is a high level of permanent diversity in plant and animal species. We see this in old growth forests such as the forests surrounding Arlington National Cemetery. The system is able to exist because it has many specialized species and niches. Think of a large corporation. It has hundreds of different jobs filled by thousands of people. The jobs are the niches and the people are the species. A business cannot be expected to survive with only janitors and accountants, but that is what modern agriculture is trying to do with its monoculture system. When you have thousands of acres filled with one species, let’s say wheat or corn, it should be no surprise that if an outbreak occurs, it would destroy everything. There is only one species to kill, one group of identical accountants in a business of just accountants. You see how this could be a problem. That is how famines are born. But when there is a diverse system, the different members support and protect one another. Even if there is an outbreak, it only kills a small set of species, not all of them. ![]() Do not put your eggs in one basket. Just like in the stock market, diversity reduces risk. Your comfrey may die, but your chamomile and borage still remain. Hornworms may annihilate all of your tomatoes, but if you have squash, peppers, and asparagus, you will still eat that day. Back to the climax community. There are levels to a mature system and this is what the food forest concept is based off of. Feel free to read up on that, but in short it is a design that mimics a climax forest to support fruit tree production. There are species that attract pollinators, shade the ground, compete against grass, and other niches to sustain the growth and health of the tree. The tree gives physical support, a deep percolating root system, leaf matter for mulch, and protection from the elements such as heavy winds or rain. Take out one element and the system is not as strong. Diversity is necessary to the proper wellbeing and continuance of an ecosystem. Permaculture seeks to create an ecosystem. You cannot do so without a diverse population of plants and animals. Even if you don’t have chickens or goats, nematodes, insects, and small birds can account for all that you need to make your system thrive. The small things make up most species on the planet anyway. The microbial flora in the soil alone can number ten billion per tablespoon with hundreds of species we cannot even culture in laboratories yet. Every new species brings something different. Of course, diversity for diversity’s sake does not make any sense either. What plants you use have to go together and that takes study and experimentation. That is what the permaculture guild is all about. Species have to match your climate and environment. I would love to grow elderberries, but my soil is just way too alkaline and heavy. It makes more sense to invest in adaptable native species. Then again, sometimes it is fun to just throw something out there and see how it does. Once your system’s diversity is maintained (think climax) then you have the freedom to really have fun. You may find that you possess a special microclimate that allows a new species to thrive. Diversity takes advantage of the unique aspects of your property and your needs. Monocultures are delicate and extremely risky (not to mention boring). Protect your investment, time, and food security with a diverse system that is able to support itself. Comments are closed.
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Rebecca Burrow
I am a Christian permie designer trying to spread the word about Christian land stewardship through permaculture. I like goats a lot. Maaaaaaaah. Archives
September 2016
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Burrow Permaculture Consulting | Permie Blog |