permaculture

["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <venaurafarm@bellsouth.net>]

On 9/18/2011 1:07 PM, Neil Bertrando wrote:
> I'm no expert, but here's a guess.
>
> the "round" orientation of the fields was designed based on the
> topography-water interaction, the fields enclose a basin (with "circular"
> contours).  If left alone, this basin would probably fill up with water and
> exist as a pond system, perhaps an ox-bow from the river system (look at the
> previous picture to get a visual on the river).  now they have installed a
> drain (the circular pipe).  I would call it a drain and not an overflow due
> to my assessment of the 'natural state' of the system.  The drain probably
> leads to an underground pipe which then flows to somewhere downhill and
> downstream likely another field where it's used to grow crops.

Here's another semi-enclosed circular terrace farming system, this time 
in Madagascar. I can't see the drainage route but it is probably there 
as a stream exiting to the left in the pix. They are very nicely 
prepared fields. I like the diversity of shapes of the terraces and 
diverse crops planted in them; lends much character to the system.

Gilbert Jottrand | Landscapes Madagascar > Madagascar #1227
http://www.pbase.com/gilbertjottrand/image/138093313

...a few more worth looking at:

now this is really something...
http://www.pbase.com/gilbertjottrand/image/138105336

and this especially:
http://www.pbase.com/gilbertjottrand/landscapes_madagascar
Because the beds are fairly small, comparatively speaking, and so many 
are combined in one part of the larger field, into an integrated system, 
it seems this example could easily be replicated in some of our
system designs for ourselves or clients, or recommended to others.
Pretty amazing gardens. Beautiful terrain.

these terraces must be very old
http://www.pbase.com/gilbertjottrand/image/138107368

buildings in the fields
http://www.pbase.com/gilbertjottrand/image/138107596

lots of different garden plots
http://www.pbase.com/gilbertjottrand/image/138123232