Adapting Syntropic Permaculture for Renaturation of a Former Quarry Area in the Temperate Zone

Abstract

In Southwest Germany, the renaturation of quarry areas close to settlements is usually based on the planting of native species of trees and shrubs, which are then neither cultivated nor used. This study investigates whether a species-rich agroforestry system based on Ernst Goetsch’s syntropic agriculture approach would be suitable for both renaturation in the form of soil fertility improvement and diverse food crop production under temperate climate. The quarry syntropy project was launched in summer 2019. Two shallow stony sections of a spoil heap of the quarry in Ehningen, Southwest Germany were available for demonstration plots. An interdisciplinary project team was set up both to obtain the official permits from five governmental institutions and to begin the study. The demonstration plots were each divided into three broad strips, which differ in three vegetation types: trees, shrubs, and annual food crops. The tree and shrub areas are mainly used for biomass production for a continuous mulch supply on the entire cultivated area in order to rapidly increase soil fertility. The food crops and also partly the trees and shrubs were intended to provide organically produced food (vegetables, fruit, berries and herbs). Most of the trees (eleven species) were planted in November 2019. In March 2020, soil samples were taken (0–30 cm), and a solar-powered water storage system was installed. Currently, the shrub and annual food crop strips are under preparation (pre-renaturation phase). In this initial phase, the priority is fertility improvement of the topsoil through intensive mulching of the existing grassland stock dominated by top grasses and the legumes hybrid alfalfa (Medicago × varia Martyn) and common bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). The food crop strip should then start in 2021 after one year of mulching. Depending on the success of growth, the tree strips should then also gain in importance for mulch application in the following years. The strategy is to gradually build up food crop cultivation under organic low-input agricultural practices while simultaneously enhancing the biophysical growth conditions guided by natural succession.

Fighting the hunger games through permaculture: a scoping review to inform urban planning

“…Permaculture as urban planning instrument in regenerative urban systems-potential connections A few characteristics of permaculture provide potential connections between urban planning and permaculture food systems: (i) Permaculture as an integrated design philosophy: Permaculture encourages the use of an integrated design approach in the development of food systems. It emphasizes the peaceful cohabitation of people and nature and promotes the deliberate planning of space (although mostly referred to in rural contexts) that takes food production, green space, water management, and waste minimization into account (Oliveira and Lopes, 2020;Von Cossel et al, 2020;Flores and Buot, 2021). To design more sustainable and regenerative urban landscapes, urban planners might use permaculture concepts.…”

“…(ii) Local food production: Permaculture promotes the practice of local farming on various scales (Fiebrig et al, 2020;Flores and Buot, 2021). This may include food production in larger community gardens, smaller domestic gardens, school gardens, and even regenerating degraded urban spaces with the benefit of food production (Von Cossel et al, 2020;Hinton et al, 2021). These smaller-scale food systems can be incorporated by urban designers to boost regional food production, cut down on food miles, and improve urban dwellers' access to wholesome food.…”

“…These smaller-scale food systems can be incorporated by urban designers to boost regional food production, cut down on food miles, and improve urban dwellers' access to wholesome food. (iii) Biodiversity and ecosystem services: Permaculture places a high priority on biodiversity and the development of ecosystems that offer a variety of functions and services (Oliveira and Lopes, 2020;Von Cossel et al, 2020). If permaculture can be incorporated into urban planning (e.g., parks, green roofs, underutilized space between buildings, and urban forests), it can provide food, promote biodiversity, deliver ecosystem services, enhance the quality of the air and water, and lessen the impact of the urban heat island.…”

“…They concluded by recognizing that permaculture can bring young land stewards to the forefront to recreate livelihoods (Oliveira and Lopes, 2020). Likewise, Von Cossel et al (2020) study focused on the application of permaculture as an improved approach for the renaturation of quarries in the temperate zone (regions with moderate annual rainfall, infrequent droughts, moderately warm summers, and moderately cold winters) that are commonly renatured by the planting of indigenous flora that have no further use. In this study, permaculture is considered in quarry renaturation for its ability to improve the soil by producing food, giving the former quarries more valuable ecosystem services following their renaturation (Von Cossel et al, 2020).…”

Organic fertigation system in saline‐sodic soils: A new paradigm for the restoration of soil health

“…Cossel et al. (2020) developed organically produced foods through intensive mulching of the existing grassland using grasses and hybrid alfalfa ( Medicago varia Martyn). They adapted a permaculture system to renature a former quarry area.…”