Permaculture to achieve sustainable agriculture (I)

Permaculture and sustainable agriculture are two related topics that focus on the design and management of agricultural, architectural and social systems, and ecosystems in a more sustainable way, in harmony with nature and with a reduced environmental impact. They must last over time.

Permaculture concept

Permaculture, short for "permanent agriculture", is a comprehensive approach that considers social, economic, environmental and cultural aspects for the design of sustainable settlements and productive agricultural systems.

The idea was developed by Australian ecologists Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s. “Permaculture is the philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature; of prolonged and reflective observation, instead of prolonged and unconscious labor; "to understand plants and animals in all their functions, instead of treating areas as mono-productive systems"

Basics of permaculture

• Caring for the Earth, caring for people and fair distribution of surpluses.
• It also uses design principles based on observations of natural ecosystems and indigenous agricultural traditions to create sustainable systems.

Permaculture focuses on the interconnection and harmonious interaction of different elements, such as plants, animals, soil, water, energy and community.

It seeks to maximize the efficiency and resilience of the system, minimizing the use of non-renewable resources and reducing waste and pollution.

Sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is a mode of agriculture, which seeks to meet current food production needs, but without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Its goal is to balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation, human health and animal welfare. Also reduce waste.

Sustainable agriculture goals

• Practices that promote soil conservation.
• Protection of water quality.
• The Biodiversity.
• Integrated pest and disease management.
• Reducing the use of synthetic chemical inputs.
• It also seeks to improve the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of climate change and promote social and economic equity.

Common practices in sustainable agriculture

• Include crop rotation. It is important every one or two seasons to change to others that absorb different minerals.
• Agroecological management of pests and diseases. Avoid chemicals.
• Water conservation. Regulation with sensors of the humidity that the crop needs.
• Agroforestry. Integrate trees and shrubs with agricultural crops and/or livestock in the same productive system.
• Composting. Use the one produced in the plantation environment.
• Organic agriculture. Avoid chemicals.
• Conservation agriculture. Reuse pruning and weeds for coverage.
• The use of renewable energies. Solar panels and wind energy.

Permaculture and sustainable agriculture share many principles and approaches. Both seek more resilient agricultural systems, with the capacity to face adversity, sustainable and in balance with nature. Through the implementation of these practices, you can promote the conservation of natural resources, improve soil health, protect biodiversity and contribute to long-term food security.

1. Hub/receiver.
2. Soil humidity and conductivity sensor.
3. Temperature probes.
4. Sector flowmeter.
5. Weather station with anemometer adaptation.

Agricultura del futuro, de precisión y para conseguir una agricultura sostenible (II)

Sources:

Plantae Agro