permaculture

[Mark Ludwig <mpludwig@facstaff.wisc.edu>]

At 08:31 AM 10/27/02 -0600, you wrote:
> Mark,
>
> >>  Shouldn't be too hard to set something up that you could raise as the
> tree grew, possibly with some offset wires to cover the trees as they
> spread.  <<
>
> A good thought.  I'm curious now about power sources (p.v.?) and costs.

PV energizers are available from all major manufacturers, 110v gets you 
more power and could have features like a computer that adjusts voltage out 
put to compensate for weed load and a remote control that will turn the 
fencer off through the wire for about $1000 US.  Output is listed in 
joules, 6 or better controls almost anything.   I strongly recommend buying 
a good quality low impedance type  charger if you are getting into electric 
fence and plenty of ground rods (1- 2.5 meter/ 8 foot rod per 2 
joules).  This and good attention to detail when installing a fence make it 
a pleasure to use and a real time saver.

> Also what about some sort of distracting cover crop?  What's preffered
> browse for deer - briar?

Deer are creatures of the edge in the ecosystem, and PC makes lots of edge 
type habitat.  I think we simply need to design for them and use fence 
and/or dogs to keep them off some things.  Eating them makes a lot of sense 
too.  The cover crops may well end up balancing their diet of browse and 
make the area more attractive.  Certainly any plan bears watching.

> We put out lots of crimson clover and grain crops and it really kept the
> rabbits and grass hoppers off of our fruit trees.  Those trees standing
> alone (i.e. in one of our wicks) were hammered by leaf-hoppers.
>
> Kirby

I had a row of buckwheat and white clover running with the trees.  This 
really seemed to keep the pest insects down, I think by providing a good 
nectar source for predatory insects.  Any one have nice red flowered 
buckwheat seed or large variety?
Mark