Nanjing Permaculture (To PDC or not to PDC, that is the question)

Through a lucky coincidence, we found a couchsurfing host in Nanjing that was interested in permaculture. Not only that, once he learned of our trip, he put us in touch with James, a man from Nanjing who plans practicing permaculture on his newly purchased land.

We met at a restaurant and discussed modern food production and the hope that permaculture will provide answer to safe, responsible food security. He initially became interested in permaculture when he became more interested in food safety. With this farm, he explained, “I want to grow food that I know is safe to feed his family.”

We talked a great deal between the Chinese and the American food systems. Both systems encourage industrial agriculture with its use of chemicals, mono-cropping and extensive use of fossil fuels. Both systems encourage larger corporate farms and do little oversight and regulation of food safety. In China, there are hopeful signs that the tide can be reversed, mainly because an overwhelming part of China's agricultural land is still owned by small-scale, independent farmers that still remember farming organically.

I was impressed with how much he knew about the global agricultural industrial complex. He knew about the dangerous effects it produces, the diversity it kills, the waste it creates, and the more vulnerable it becomes through consolidation.

James does not own a PDC. On this issue, I have remained decidedly ambivalent. Some say that one doesn't need a PDC others say its pretty important to get a full understanding of permaculture design. In James' case, I think it would help him a lot.

I never give advice if I am not asked, but there were three things I noticed right off the bat that might cause headaches in the present and future.

First, no comprehensive design for his farm. This is the first thing that permaculturists recommend, hence the reason for the permaculture design course. This experience made me aware just how valuable a PDC is. Without a design, you don't focus on the ecological relationships that happening everyday on the land. The fact that he was still planting in large rows indicated to me that he didn't have zones worked out or even a center of operations, which brings me to my next point.

No center of operations or house. Because he didn't even have a tool shed on the property, there was a palpable absence of zone 1 and thus no initial focal point or 'starting point'. There was a scattered collection of vegetable patches, a chicken coop and several grazing goats. If you don't have a zone 1 to center your operations, your other zones combine and blur. A zone 1 is like an anchor to a ship; it gives the ecosystem a focal point of how frequent maintenance should be administered.

Last, because there was no overarching design and center to implement the design from, the size of the farm seemed large and unmanageable. He had two farm laborers who are doing the best they can but are half as effective when they have to look after the whole farm. There was sizable disconnection between the pond, chicken coop and the trees giving off shade.

If he did ask me to consult with him, I would mention these three potential problem areas that could have eliminated had there been a design in place. I would recommend building a cob structure as to wherever he saw the 'center' or focal point of the farm to be. This could be a place to keep tools and provide a cool place for the workers to rest. Then eventually develop a set of zones that move away from the house distinguished by frequency of use. James mentioned that he would like to see this farm profit sometime so his zone 1 could be much bigger to grow and sell vegetables. With a design you can draw in resources and close waste in energy and materials. Incorporate your animals to complete tasks that you would do anyway such as pest control and natural fertilizer. Finally, with a cohesive plan the farm size does not seem so daunting. All five zones should be included to provide a natural, inspiring and holistic way to grow food.

To really learn, one must be willing to make mistakes but I fear that he doesn't have to make as many mistakes as he will he continues. Either way, I wish him good luck and a lot of success on his project.