Permaculture for Sustainable Agro Ecology (Research Paper Sample)

Permaculture for Sustainable Agro Ecology
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Introduction
There is an increased demand for organically produced products both locally and internationally. Thanks to the continuous technological development, farmers have systems such as permaculture and monoculture which enhance sustainable food production. Permaculture refers to an agricultural system that incorporates human actions with the internal environment to develop a sustainable ecosystem (Bane, 2012 and Mollison 1990). It is a sustainable design that stresses on the importance of having a harmonious relationship between earths, plants and human beings. With the increasing shortage of food in some countries, these systems are an excellent method to tackle the problem of food shortage hence should be adopted. This paper aims at determining whether a monoculture conventional apple orchard can be redesigned into an organic poly culture system and still be profitable.
Over the recent years, there has been an increased use of fertilizers in agricultural production of food. The average use of pesticides now stands at 2.56 billion kilograms per year ) (Pretty, 2013). With the increased changes in the climatic conditions, food production and health diseases, integration of sustainable methods of food production in farming systems is a must in order to tackle this problem. People have been continually been diagnosed with strange illnesses that were unheard of in the early 18th century and 19th century. This has called for a rethink in food production since fertilizers are said to contribute to the production of chemical agricultural products which affect the functioning of the human system.
Case- Can monoculture conventional apple orchard can be redesigned into an organic poly culture system and still be profitable?
A conventional apple orchard can successfully be changed into an organic polyculture system to enhance profitability and sustainable production. I recently visited Mr Stevenson Miller to have a glimpse at the agricultural systems that he has adopted for his farm. Through my engagement Stevenson explained to me how he successfully changed from a conventional apple orchard system into an organic/ permaculture system. Stevenson’s agricultural productivity has increased tremendously, and the new system performs better than the old one. Nonetheless, Stevenson told me that profitability depends on the prevailing market prices, but with the increases productivity it is more significant that one will generate sustainable profits. Organically produced agricultural products have a different retail price due to the natural methods of production, and this gives them a competitive edge over chemically produced products (Petry, 1995).
Study
Research on conventional and organic systems of production indicate that organic systems have a higher yield compared to conventional systems. In America, organic farms were found to be more profitable than other farming system. Organic farming can withstand and survive hurricanes hence there are lesser economic losses. In 2007 study compare organic and conventional system, the findings were that organic systems such as permaculture can produce sustainable food for global consumption. As such, they were found to be superior than conventional systems (Lichtfouse, 2011). The reduced cost of chemical fertilizers and pesticides contributed to the increased profits. A study on apple production system compared conventional and organic systems in regards to sustainability. Organic systems were found to be more energy efficient thus superior compared to conventional apple farming systems. Going my Mr Stevenson engagement and research findings, it is correct to deduce that organic systems are more efficient and profitable than conventional systems. Additionally, by reviewing the advantages and limitations of permaculture, one gets an insight on which methods are superior.
Importance of Permaculture to the Environment
Permaculture technology allows farmers to enhance the productivity and quality of agricultural produce, thus improving individual lives and the environment. Permaculture also ensures that consumers access healthy foods without exploitation or domination (Holzer, 2010 and Whitefield, 2004). It also increases the yield of agricultural products, reduces the consumption of energy and further impact the ecological environment positively. Permaculture system is anchored on three ethics and values which are earth care, people care and setting a limitation in consumption through fair sharing. From these principles, it is evident that permaculture is designed for the benefits of the human population and ecological system.
Natural/environmental resources are facing a threat of depletion due to human activities in the agricultural sector. The intensive use of fertilizers harms the water, health and aquatic life system. During the rainy season, fertilizer is washed away by runway water and is deposited/taken into lakes or rivers. This causes the water to be contaminated or polluted thus threatening the life of aquatic animals (Falk, 2013). Permaculture, monoculture, polyculture, aquaculture and many other modern systems are an excellent remedy to the discussed problems. Below are some of permaculture’s benefits (Whitefield, 2000).
Reduced costs
Applying natural components in an agricultural system is similar to converting wastes into organic manure, and this significantly saves money.
Less waste
Waste products in a permaculture system are recycled and brought to the earth as compost manure. Compost manure later becomes natural fertilizers and are used in the permaculture system.
Chemical resistance
Permaculture systems apply natural fertilizers and this significantly prevents the agricultural produce from being chemically attacked. Permaculture systems allow natural predators execute the pesticides functions naturally.
Less pollution
Permaculture reduces pollution considerably since it is anchored on organic sustainable farming. The area where the permaculture system is practiced is pollution free due to the absence of chemicals.
Zoning
Zoning is an important element in permaculture and refers to the techniques of arranging the agricultural produce depending on what matures/ripens earlier and what require more attention.
Enhances self reliance and diversity
One of the values/ethics of permaculture is based on people care such that it allows one to produce different agricultural products in his or her farmland thus enhancing self reliance and diversity.
Promotes ‘green living’
Permaculture systems use natural pesticides, freshwater reserves and fertilizers thus undoubtedly promoting green living.
Improves environment conditions
Permaculture involves using diverse methods to achieve a self sustainable agricultural system, and this is in a way beneficial to the ecological environment.
Can be integrated into systems that are already functioning
This system can be incorporated into an already running agricultural system. Nonetheless, one has to consider the suitability of land to ensure it is successful.
Limitations of Permaculture
The disadvantages of permaculture are lesser compared to its advantages, and this implies that it is a sustainable profitable production method (Mars, 2003).
Productivity
Mechanical/chemical pro...