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  • From: Toby Hemenway <hemenway@jeffnet.org>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: Swale Question
  • Date: Thu, 31 May 2001 08:46:17 -0700


Claude wrote:

> What I'm looking for is better comebacks to the people who insist that in
> Northern Vermont, with its 30 plus inches of rain a year, earthworks are
> redundant.

Here in Oregon we get 40 inches a year (though with a dry summer) and my
swales have made a tremendous difference in fertility. In your region, I'd
say earthworks would:

-prevent puddling, low and boggy spots with attendant mosquitoes,
compaction, and anaerobic decomposition. The last two reduce soil life due
to low oxygen levels, reducing fertility

-prevent gullying (I've seen 'em in Vermont), erosion, and soil loss during
heavy rain

-eliminate hardpan (especially if the soil is ripped with a keyline plow; I
know you've got rocky soil, but it should still work)

-help get through dry spells (That 30 inches doesn't fall in nice weekly
allotments), which will allow more even growth of crops and more even
moisture levels in the soil, which will result in greater soil life and thus
better fertility

There are lots more reasons; I'll bet Rick Valley, or Dan H with his New
England experience should have more to add.

Toby
_____________________________________________
For a look at my new book on ecological gardening,
Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture, visit
http://www.chelseagreen.com/Garden/GaiasGarden.htm








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