Systems Thinking Discussion

Systems Thinking Discussion

by Maxon Ali -
Number of replies: 3

At the Permaculture Living Lab (Organic Garden) at SUNY Oswego, I implement no-till and lasagna mulching (sheet mulching) to preserve soil microbiology and build organic matter. I also utilize hugelkultur beds to turn woody debris into long-term nutrient sponges and "upcycling" campus food waste into fertile compost. Another sustainable practice I utilize is companion planting and polycultures to naturally manage pests and improve nutrient uptake, reducing the need for external inorganic inputs. I also enjoy using careful observation (as my number one tool) to design with the land's natural slope, ensuring water is caught and stored where needed. 

Something I have been planning to do more of for the upcoming growing season is stacking functions. I feel this fits in nicely with our systems thinking conversation. Through stacking functions, I can do my best to ensure every element in my landscape serves at least three roles. For example, a windbreak isn't just a fence, but rather it’s a living hedge that provides habitat for pollinators, yields edible berries, and protects the soil from erosion. I actually drew inspiration for this after practicing the 3 sisters polyculture method (Corn, Squash, and Beans).



In reply to Maxon Ali

Re: Systems Thinking Discussion

by Joshua Vrooman -
Stacking functions is a really important element in ecological gardening. Permaculture is a good example of one movement that started in the 1970's in Australia largely in response to monoculture farming. In gardening it is often called companion planting, in a larger farm setting it is agroforestry. But the basic principles are the same despite size and scale. Thinking in systems is helpful when looking at how different parts of an ecosystem functions and contributes to the larger whole.
In reply to Maxon Ali

Re: Systems Thinking Discussion

by Michele Gowans -
I have been doing so much reading over the last 3-4 years because I have had more time. I have started my raised beds with lasagna method. I planted flowers and herbs, though too many because I didn't plan for their footprint but since the rabbits and deer ate all of my brassicas and beans. The flowers were pretty to smell and look at when I went out and hopefully were beneficial to the rest of the garden. I agree with observation as a first tool because I have had more time, I have been able to spend it in the mornings and evenings looking for pests such as Japanese beetles and slugs. I was able to manage them but not the flea beetles despite my best efforts.
We (my family and I ) have composted for the last 35 years that we have been living here. Prior to us being here, our property was a tree farm (now a mature woodland) and a compost had already been established. We continued in that area and thus we have never added more than a bag of garbage at the curb per week.
I started last year a bed with native and non-native pollinators, fruited plants such as elderberry and wild raspberry, to attract beneficial insects but also to distract some of the wildlife. These were my "sacrifices" at times as well.
I look forward to learning so much more and how it all comes together. I would like to know what "stacking" is and also what the definition of "polyculture" really is.
In reply to Michele Gowans

Re: Systems Thinking Discussion

by margaret meldrim -

I have a big problem with slugs in my flower gardens as I use a lot of shredded mulch and pine bark nuggets. I have found that in the early morning after a rain or when there is dew on the grass is the best time to find them. The slugs come out of my gardens onto the grass , I am guessing to graze. I don't like them, so I cut them in half with a pair of scissors and they die. Not very humane you might say, but I am not into picking up slimy creatures.    

 Sluggo pellets also work good, but can be quite costly with as many large gardens as I have. I would be interested to hear how other gardeners deal with slugs. 

This is how I understand stacking. First in an area you grow a quick maturing vegetable like radishes. As they are maturing, you can plant another vegetable near them that will grow and mature once the radishes are gone. There was one illustration of two rows of green beans with either melons on cucumbers growing in between the beans. Theoretically, when the beans are done, the cantelope/cucumbers vines will be growing to take over the bean row spaces. The goal is to grow as many crops in a given space, not wasting a lot of area between rows or sections of plants.