Permaculture Design Principle 8

Accelerating Plant Succession and Evolution - "Working with Nature, not against Her"

Succession is about the changes that place in the structure and function of an ecosystem over a period of time. Allow the grasses to become seeded with herbs and flat 'weeds', grow tall grasses and pioneer species that act as green manure (Oats, Wheat, Sorghum) to protect climax species (e.g. fruit trees) from frost and insect attack.

Use what is already growing

Sheet Composting-use what is already growing to build soil fertility. Soft weeds can be sheet-mulched with cardboard, newspaper, etc.

Introduce plants that will easily survive

Raise organic levels artificially

1. Relative Location - Where stuff in the right place
2. Each Element Performs Multiple Functions - Multitasking
3. Multiple Sources for Each Need - Redundancy planning to reduce failure
4. Energy Efficient Planning - Zoning & sectors
5. Using Local Biological Resources - "Think globally, Act Locally"
6. Cycling of Energy - Reconnecting movement of energy
7. Optimum Sizing & Stacking - Intensive systems under control
8. Accelerating Plant Succession and Evolution- Working with Nature, not against Her
9. Polyculture and Diversity of Species - Resilience and resistance to pest attacks
10. Increasing "Edge" Within a System - Increasing productivity through edge effects and natural patterns

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