Development Notes Edited by Dawn Berkelaar and Tim Motis October 2015 | Issue 129

are offered through universities, at small In Development: farms that have been designed around An introduction to permaculture and its application permaculture principles, and even in the backyards of urban/peri-urban permacul- in agriculture development By Brad Ward turalists. Each course includes 72 hours of instruction based on the main themes Introduction laid out in Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual by Bill Mollison (1988). Courses The word permac- can be structured many ways: intensive ulture is mentioned with courses take place over nine consecutive increasing frequency in days, weekend courses take place over speeches, books and several consecutive weekends, and online magazine articles on courses are typically nine weeks long. sustainability and food security. What is permac- Many people practice permaculture ulture? Is it a movement? without calling themselves permaculture A philosophy? Simply a designers and without having taken a set of design tools? In PDC. For example, ECHO’s Global Farm this article, I answer in Fort Myers, Florida, is an excellent the above questions by example of applied permaculture practice, looking at permaculture even though it has not been specifically from a variety of angles. designed according to permaculture First, I briefly describe principles. Many ECHO Technical Notes permaculture’s history, and articles have detailed the application Figure 1: The permaculture-designed community garden space at underlying ethics, and key of permaculture principles without using ECHO. Source: Betsy Langford. principles and common the “permaculture” label. practices. Then I discuss Rafter Ferguson, a well-regarded permac- common criticisms of permaculture and ulture researcher and practitioner, has an explain the underlying perspective that elegantly simple way to frame the many Featured in this EDN shapes its use in addressing a commu- aspects of permaculture: “Permaculture nity’s food, water and shelter needs (i.e., is meeting human needs while increasing the lens through which a permaculturalist ecosystem health” (Ferguson 2012). To 1 Permaculture In Development: views development). Finally, I share how guard against reductionism, Rafter adds An introduction to permaculture permaculture has influenced my own life a cautionary statement to his concise and its application in agriculture and work, both as a Christian and as an definition, saying, “I’m all for shorthand development agriculture development worker. definitions in the right context as long as it’s being used to communicate a 6 From ECHO’s Seed Bank: Inca nut principle rather than obscure fundamental (Plukenetia volubilis) Definitions complexity” (Ferguson 2013b).

The word permaculture, coined by its My own definition of permaculture is as 7 Books, Websites and Other co-founder Bill Mollison, is formed from follows: Permaculture is a cohesive set of Resources the words “permanent” and “agriculture.” ethics, principles and practices that help The concept of permaculture is difficult to guide the stewardship of an ecosystem to 8 Upcoming Events explain in just a few words, because the ensure resilience and abundance to all its term is used to describe (usually simul- inhabitants. taneously) both a worldview/philosophy ECHO is a global Christian for living on the earth and a set of design organization that equips people principles and practices. Permaculturalists and with agricultural resources and Bill Mollison emphasized the philosophical Permaculture Designers skills to reduce hunger and aspect in his definition: “Permaculture is The permaculture movement is very open- improve the lives of the poor. a philosophy of working with, rather than source and non-centralized. A person against nature; of protracted and thoughtful wanting to call him/herself a Permacultur- ECHO observation rather than protracted and alist or Permaculture Designer is expected 17391 Durrance Road thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants to complete a Permaculture Design North Fort Myers, FL 33917 USA and animals in all their functions, rather Course (PDC) led by a teacher or group p: 239-543-3246 | f: 239-543-5317 than treating any area as a single-product of teachers with sufficient training and www.ECHOcommunity.org system” (Mollison 1988). experience to teach the course. Courses Key Figures and Primary Permaculture as a movement to the agriculture systems we develop. This often creates unnecessary failure, Source Literature Permaculture practitioners and teachers exorbitant use of natural resources, Bill Mollison (born in 1928) is considered think deeply about natural systems, and and potentially wide-spread ecological to be the father of permaculture. In 1978, especially about human interaction with damage. Large-scale monocropping Mollison collaborated with David Holmgren those systems. Because technology has is a classic example of working against to write a foundational book called Perma- increased the capacity for humans to nature. culture One. Mollison also wrote Perma- make large-scale and rapid changes to 2. The problem is the solution. If we culture: A Designers’ Manual, published entire ecosystems, permaculture practi- are willing to look at a problem from a in 1988. This 400-page book lays down tioners often find themselves on the front variety of angles, we will discover that the foundational philosophies, principles lines of a debate that pits extractive greed the “problem” is actually a resource and practices of permaculture. Mollison against the long-term health of the planet. for another part of the ecosystem. founded The Permaculture Institute in In this way, permaculture joins the larger A good example of this is Mollison’s , and created a training system to movement of those who wish to conserve well-known statement, “You don’t train others under the umbrella of perma- natural systems and mitigate/restore the have a snail problem, you have a duck culture. damage done by decades of unbridled exploitation. Permaculture’s voice in this deficiency!” David Holmgren (born in 1955) is a movement is valuable because it offers 3. Make the least change for the co-originator of the permaculture concept positive, actionable design alternatives to greatest possible effect. Thoughtful with Mollison. Holmgren is an Australian the status quo. interventions aimed at leverage points permaculture designer, ecological educator in an ecosystem yield the greatest and writer. His 2002 book, Permaculture: Permaculture as a process returns for the time and resources Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustain- invested. An example of this principle ability, provides what many view as a more for designing human is S.A.L.T. (Sloping Agricultural Land accessible guide to the principles of perma- community and natural Technology) for hillside farming. By culture. Holmgren refined those principles ecosystems planting trees along a contour (the over more than 25 years of practice. leverage point), erosion is reduced, Using a permaculture framework, the terraces are formed, and soil fertility Two other authors whose ideas are featured design process moves through several prominently in permaculture concepts are is maintained—and possibly even levels. It begins with ethics, then moves to enhanced. P.A. Yeomans (1904-1984) and Masanobu principles, next to design strategies, and Fukuoka (1913-2008). finally to technique or application. 4. The yield of a system is theoreti- P.A. Yeomans was an Australian inventor cally unlimited. This principle might also be expressed by saying that it is known for the Keyline system, used to I. Ethics develop land and increase its fertility. only our knowledge and imagination Yeomans’ Keyline concepts are now part Permaculture, whether viewed as a that limit the sustainably productive of the curriculum of many sustainable philosophy, a movement or a design potential of an ecosystem. A perma- agriculture courses in colleges and univer- process, rests on three ethical pillars: 1) culture designer works to create sities across the world. Yeomans wrote four care for the earth; 2) care for people; and layers of symbiotic relationships in books: The Keyline Plan; The Challenge of 3) set limits to consumption and repro- an ecosystem. This concept is well- Landscape; Water for Every Farm; and The duction, and redistribute surplus (Holmgren displayed in agroforestry systems, in City Forest. 2002). Most people can agree with the first which multiple stories of species work two ethical statements, but the concepts together to protect and serve each was a Japanese of population control and redistribution are other, increasing both the total potential farmer and philosopher. He promoted loaded with controversy. For this reason, yield and (often) the individual yield of no-till, no-herbicide grain cultivation many permaculture authors and teachers each component. Function stacking, farming methods, and created a particular have simplified/modified the third ethical another concept that illustrates this method of farming, commonly referred to as principle to “fair share” or “care for the principle, refers to choosing plants and “Natural Farming” or “Do-nothing Farming”. future.” animals in a design that perform more Fukuoka authored several Japanese books, than one function and yield more than scientific papers and other publications, one product. A flock of chickens is a most notably The One-Straw Revolution. II. Principles – Bill Mollison good example of this idea; chickens provide food, feathers, manure, tillage, Due to the recent growth in permaculture’s In Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual, weed control, insect control, etc. popularity, many books have been written Mollison (1988) condensed the core to help explain basic concepts or to drill principles of permaculture design into the 5. Everything gardens (or modifies deeper into a particular system and/or following five statements [in bold, with its environment). Every part of an practice. An extensive list of permaculture elaboration from the author]: ecosystem directly influences certain books and websites can be found at the other parts of the system and has an end of the article. 1. Work with nature rather than overall influence on the system as a against. This statement may seem whole. In complex systems, changes obvious, but we humans tend to try bring unintended consequences. and “have it our way” when it comes

2 ...... Careful observation over a long period when we recognize that there will be a 11. Use Edges and Value the Marginal. of time reduces unintended negatives. cost to both people and the planet. The borders or edges between different ecological zones and micro- 5. Use and Value Renewable climates are places of great diversity III. Principles – David Holmgren Resources and Services. Conserve and potential. Species that can thrive non-renewable resources, and always on both sides of the edge have an In his book Permaculture: Principles and seek to restore resources. Expand Pathways Beyond Sustainability (2002), advantage in these zones and can our thinking about what could be a increase the productivity of the entire Holmgren expands the number of perma- resource. culture principles to twelve [in bold, with system. elaboration from the author]. His approach 6. Produce No Waste. Ideally, everything 12. Creatively Use and Respond to provides a more nuanced and systematic that is needed is made on site, and all Change. Things will always change; way to begin making stewardship decisions byproducts become inputs for another that’s guaranteed. Respond to change in complex and ever-changing ecosystems. part of the design. by innovating continuously, and don’t give up. 1. Observe and Interact. Spend a long 7. Design from Patterns to Details. Sort time observing an ecosystem before out the big picture first; everything else starting to build or garden in it. Doing falls in place after that. Big picture items IV. Design Strategies so will enable us to build or garden as include factors like climate, terrain and efficiently and sustainably as possible. sun aspect. Taking these items into Connecting the ethics and principles of consideration at the very beginning is permaculture to a specific site requires 2. Catch and Store Energy. Energy critical to all of the other decisions that a framework of design. Designers use a of all types flows into and out of all follow, and they ultimately determine wide variety of methods to organize their ecosystems. Make the most of these the pattern of the design. A permac- thoughts and articulate their ideas. Some resources, and minimize/eliminate ulture designer uses strategies like common tools are as follows: any losses. Energy resources include: sectors and zones (see descriptions sunlight; water; seeds; inherent below) to help determine the overall Yeoman’s Keyline scale of permanence heat (such as in stones and water); pattern. He/she then moves toward (Fig. 2) takes into consideration both the wind; and organic matter (in soil and specific techniques and plants. time and energy needed to make a change compost). to a specific site or ecosystem. At the top 8. Integrate Rather Than Segregate. of the scale, at the far end of both the time 3. Obtain a Yield. When growing plants Every element in a system has and effort axes, is “climate”; this aspect for food, fuel, textiles and/or beauty, strengths and weaknesses. In would require the most time and energy to we want to obtain a yield. Good permaculture, we can use this to our change. At the bottom of the scale is “soil.” stewardship is about abundance and advantage by pairing elements with blessings we can share. complementary needs, so they help Sectors (Fig. 3) are used to identify the each other grow steadily. For example, various factors that interact with a site. 4. Apply Self-Regulation and Respond in a keyhole garden, the composting Sectors would include phenomena like to Open Feedback Loops. Negative system is directly integrated into the the path of the sun as it crosses the site; feedback can point to unsustainable direction of seasonal or predominant winds; methods, and probably means garden bed. Placing this keyhole garden close to the kitchen further human and animal traffic patterns; noise; we need to do things a little differ- and visual impacts. ently. Excess positive feedback integrates the system by locating the production area of fresh greens and may hurt other systems. Our goal Zones identify the human interaction is balance. For people accustomed the receptacle for trimmings and waste required to maintain specific areas of a site. to viewing agriculture projects and/ near the place where they are used, or development work as a series of thus reducing labor. problems to be solved, reading the 9. Use Small and Slow negative feedback signals can seem Solutions. Small and fairly straightforward. Evaluation of slow changes build excessive positive feedback can be resilience and diversity, harder to observe and discern. For making our system example, for decades, mega-scale adaptable and reducing monocropping symbolized best- the effect of negative practice modern agricultural produc- unintended conse- tivity. The negative environmental and quences. human impacts of these systems were easy to miss, and remain easy to ratio- 10. Use and Value nalize in the light of their enormous Diversity. Diversity capacity to provide the raw materials forms the foundation of for cheap calories and corporate resilience. profits. It is difficult in the dominant system to say “no thanks” to short term Figure 2: Yeoman’s Keyline Scale of Permanence considers the gains (excess positive feedback), even time and energy needed to make a change to a site or ecosystem. Adapted from Owen Hablutzel’s Scale of Permanence graphic.

EDN Issue 129 ...... 3 maximize the usable yields for humans from A second, more superficial, criticism of a multi-storied forest, while maintaining the permaculture centers around the lifestyles diversity and increasing the fertility of the of people who identity with it. Those caught forest itself. up in a modern westernized paradigm might be tempted to criticize and margin- Slowing and retaining water. Water is a alize those who have a different outlook, cornerstone resource in any agriculture rather than try to understand their point of system. Good permaculture design keeps view—especially if that different outlook ideal levels of moisture in the system challenges some of the practices that make with minimal energy inputs. This means one’s life comfortable. channeling away excess water, retaining water in dry seasons, and helping water penetrate the surface to get to the root zone Permaculture in Development of plants. Many permaculturalists subscribe to a post- Composting. Composting ensures that industrial vision of the future. They see fertility and nutrients stay inside and are permaculture as a tool to prepare for a less recycled through an ecosystem. From mechanized, less economically globalized simple compost piles to vermiculture and de-urbanized world. As a result, they systems to composting latrines, all sources view the development process differently of fertility are valuable and should be than typical traditional western devel- stewarded to our best ability. opment workers would. This view shapes permaculturalists’ “better future” paradigm, Natural building. Where possible, use which impacts their choices regarding prior- Figure 3: Sector Analysis helps identify the dif- locally available and renewable materials itization of labor and resources. ferent elements that interact with a site. to satisfy the need for shelter. This will help Typically there are 6 zones, numbered 0 – encourage local economies and preserve As an extreme example, a traditional 5. Zone 0 identifies the home or business non-renewable resources. Secure and western development agency working with structure where people live or work. Zone comfortable homes don’t have to look like smallholders in a rural setting might work 1 is the high human traffic area of the site; the suburbs of the West, and imported to create supply and distribution chains in a residential setting, zone 1 would be the designs and materials often lead to less that allow the smallholders access to the walkway between the driveway and the front comfort and safety. A good example of global market. It might bring non-local and door. It would also include the patio or a this is a metal roof replacing palm thatch. non-renewable resources into the area to nearby kitchen/herb garden. Zone 2 would The metal roof is often less resistant to increase yields of a single crop or small likely include things like annual vegetable hurricane winds; it also transmits heat variety of annual crops. It might envision beds and chickens, zone 3 would include from the tropical sun, making the house consolidating smallholder farms into one fruit trees and pasture, zone 4 would have unbearably hot during the day. larger operation to increase efficiency, fuel wood, and zone 5 would be left wild to thereby creating a smaller, more efficient allow for continued observing and learning labor force with the hope that those displaced from nature. Common Criticisms of would find better incomes off of the farm. All Permaculture these efforts would be carried out under the guiding vision that the modernized industrial V. Practices/Techniques One common (and sometimes accurate) world is our best vision of the future; that criticism of permaculture is that propo- increasing the economic base by creating Multi-species integration (plant guilds). nents make claims about yield potentials more consumers has no resource barriers Permaculture designers seek to bring or resilience factors with little reliable data that technology can’t overcome; and that multiple stories (canopy levels) of plants to back them up. Because promotion and hard physical work and traditional rural together in “plant guilds” to increase and documentation of permaculture practices is living are things from which people ought diversify the yield in the system and to largely decentralized, no official governing to be freed. add resilience. Agroforestry and forest body exists to validate the claims of perma- gardening are exemplary types of plant culture practitioners and of those who tell By contrast, a permaculture designer guilds. An example of a tropical plant guild permaculture’s stories. Lately, there has working in the same situation would seek would be an overstory tree such as a mango been robust discussion within the permac- to strengthen the independence of the rural combined with shade-loving Barbados ulture community about being more careful community and protect it from outside influ- cherries, and below them, comfrey and about what is claimed as fact, and about ences. He/she would seek to first create an garlic chives. seeking partnership with people and institu- ecosystem and social system that meets tions that can help verify good practice with basic human needs, and that then trades (multi-story, perennial-based Agroforestry good science and increase the community’s out of its abundance, with maximum biodi- food, fuel and fiber systems).The above capacity to carry out experimentation that versity. Rather than creating consumers, example of plant guilding is also a good produces usable data and/or leads to more good permaculture seeks to create more example of part of an agroforestry system. extensive research. resilient and successful producers who Agroforestry systems are designed to stay on the land, with the knowledge that

4 ...... their lives are valuable and that their work and extremely helpful. The exchange of Earthworks. Arizona: Rainsource Press, is among the most intricate and dignified. perspective and experience was invaluable, 2013. as was having design concepts evaluated Martin, Franklin. Plants for Use in Permaculture by fellow students and a professor. As in the Tropics, 2nd Edition. Florida: Yankee My Personal Permaculture mentioned earlier, permaculture classes Permaculture, 2009. Story are offered in a variety of formats. The Mollison, Bill. Permaculture: A Designers’ resource section has some links to well- Manual. Tyalgum, Australia: Tagari Publica- My own embrace of permaculture, as both respected courses. tions, 1988. a design tool and a paradigm through which Morrow, Rosemary. Earth User’s Guide to Per- to view good human development, started maculture. Kangaroo Pr, 1994. about 11 years ago. As I embarked on a Conclusion Savory, Allan. Holistic Management: A New new career as a “community development/ Framework for Decision Making, 2nd ed. agriculture missionary,” and uprooted my Permaculture is part of the growing Island Press, 1998. community of eco-agriculture disci- family to a new culture and environment, I Toensmeier, Eric. Perennial Vegetables: From began to ask myself a very basic question: plines. It is rapidly gaining acceptance as Artichoke to ‘Zuiki’ Taro, a Gardener’s Guide “What is development for?” a valuable design methodology in both to over 100 Delicious, Easy-to-Grow Edibles. non-government and government institu- Chelsea Green Publishing, 2007. I was unsatisfied with initial answers that tions across the globe. It is adaptable to Yeomans, P. A. Water For Every Farm: Yeomans were based on experience. I could see the every ecosystem and culture, and offers Keyline Plan, 4th ed. CreateSpace Indepen- truly unsustainable nature of so much that accessible problem-solving tools rather dent Publishing Platform, 2008. was being called sustainable. I could see than silver-bullet solutions. It considers the that the enhanced quality of life promised by ecosystem and social system as a whole, Periodicals: the modern world often led to greater depths facilitating good stewardship, and providing Acres USA – www.acresusa.com of misery and despair. I could see that when a pathway to true sustainability, resilience I said the word “development,” I projected and abundance. Permaculture Design Magazine – www.permac- a vision of middle class Americana; and ulturedesignmagazine.com I could see that that very lifestyle was Recommended Resources crushing the world’s ecosystems and was Internet: by its very nature unsustainable. Books: http://permies.com I began to look for a different answer. My http://holmgren.com.au/permaculture/ reading and research led me to the concept Bane, Peter. The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country. BC, of permaculture. Permaculture provided Canada: New Society, 2012. http://www.villageearth.org/ a new way of thinking about how man Beyer, Hunter and Franklin Martin. Permaco- http://permaculturenews.org/ could live a productive, abundant life, while pia Book Three: Plants for Permaculture in nurturing and stewarding creation. I saw Hawai’i, & other Tropical & Subtropical biore- https://www.facebook.com/mpcnetwork.org that, rather than just laying out a utopian gions. Volcano, Hawai’i: Homescapes, 2000. http://www.thepermaculturepodcast.com/ vision, the Permaculture Design Manual Falk, Ben. The Resilient Farm Homestead: An and other permaculture literature gave Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems step-by-step instructions for evaluating the Design Approach. Chelsea Green Publishing, Resources quoted in this article: natural systems around me and system- 2013. Ferguson, Rafter Sass. “Wait... you’re studying atically bringing resilience and abundance Fukuoka, Masanobu. One-Straw Revolution: what again? (Part 2): What do you mean by An Introduction to Natural Farming. NYRB into those systems. Permaculture design permaculture?” Liberation Ecology, November Classics, 2009. gave me an organized way to look at the 14, 2012, http://liberationecology.org/2012/11/14/ big picture, and to plan and test small incre- Holmgren, David. Permaculture: Principles and wait-youre-studying-what-again-part-2/ mental changes. Pathways Beyond Sustainability. Hepburn, Vic: Holmgren Design Services, 2002. Ferguson, Rafter Sass. “The convenience and poverty of simple definitions” Liberation Permaculture is good stewardship. For me, Jacke, Dave and Eric Toensmeier. Edible For- Ecology, June 13, 2013, http://liberationecology. est Gardens, Volume 1: Ecological Vision, it is also a way to work for God’s kingdom. org/2013/06/13/the-convenience-and-poverty- Theory for Temperate Climate Permaculture. I view permaculture’s ethical pillars (listed of-simple-definitions/ Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2005. earlier in this article) through different lenses, so that they become the following: Jacke, Dave and Eric Toensmeier. Edible Forest Ferguson, Rafter Sass. “Continuing the Conver- 1) actively love God’s image bearers; 2) Gardens, Volume 2: Ecological Design And sation – Permaculture as a Movement” Liberation Practice For Temperate-Climate Permacul- Ecology, June 25, 2013, http://liberationecology. diligently steward God’s creation; and 3) ture. Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing, org/2013/06/25/continuing-the-conversation- live contentedly and joyfully share God’s 2005. permaculture-as-a-movement/ provision. Lancaster, Brad. Rainwater Harvesting for Hemenway, Toby. “What Permaculture Isn’t— Drylands and Beyond, Vol 1: Guiding Prin- and Is,” November 18, 2012, http://www.pattern- After practicing permaculture principles on ciples to Welcome Rain into Your Life and literacy.com/668-what-permaculture-isnt-and-is my own for a few years, I took a Permac- Landscape, 2nd ed. Arizona: Rainsource ulture Design Course to increase my profi- Press, 2013. ciency and confidence in using the design Lancaster, Brad. Rainwater Harvesting for Dry- processes. The class was challenging lands and Beyond, Vol 2: Water-Harvesting

EDN Issue 129 ...... 5 FROM ECHO’S SEED BANK

Inca nut (Plukenetia volubilis) In a warm climate, all or nearly all of the By Dawn Berkelaar and Tim Motis seeds should germinate in a few days. Germination reached 93% in a study done Inca nut (Plukenetia volubilis) is a forest in China, with a temperature of 25 to 35 °C plant from the South American Amazon (77 to 95 °F) being most favorable for germi- where it has been used as a wild food source nation (Gong et al. 2013). Rosa and Quijada for over 3000 years. It is gaining attention (2013) found that germination was actually as a valuable vegetable crop, and is now better without than with the shell (seed being grown more widely. ECHO recently coat), a finding attributed to the slowing obtained seed from Southeast Asia, which of moisture absorption and gas exchange we are growing out in a small planting on by the seed coat. Figure 6b shows a seed our demonstration farm in southwest Florida kernel with the outer coat removed. It is (Fig 4 and 5). From our limited experience, also possible to speed up germination by it seems that Inca nut could easily be grown Figure 5: Photo of green, immature Inca nut “scarifying” the seed, nicking the outer shell by small-scale farmers, either for household fruit. Source: ECHO Asia. so that the seed can absorb water more use or for potential income generation. Health and safety concerns quickly after planting. Description and uses Although Inca nut has been cultivated for a centuries, little was known of its chemical Inca nut is also known as sacha inchi, sacha and nutritional characteristics until more nut, inca inchi, or mountain peanut. This recent years. These attributes have now perennial climbing plant is in the Euphor- been documented more extensively biaceae family. Flowers appear in clusters, (Guillén et al. 2003; Huaman Saavedra et with both male and female flowers on each al., 2012; Nascimento et al. 2013). plant. Pollination results in star-shaped In a study on the safety of Inca nut oil and fruits that start out green and turn blackish- , biochemical indicators of liver brown when ripe. and kidney health were unchanged in adult The heart-shaped leaves are edible when human subjects who had received a daily cooked. However, Inca nut is grown mainly amount of 10 to 15 ml (2 to 3 tsp) of Inca nut for the rich oil (35-60%) and protein (27%) oil over 4 months (Gonzales and Gonzales content of the seeds. The protein is highly 2014). In that study, some participants b digestible and rich in essential amino acids. reported nausea after eating both Inca nut The oil from the seed has a mild flavor oil and sunflower oil, but this effect declined and is a rich source of omega fatty acids with time and Inca nut oil was well-accepted (Guillén et al. 2003). For these reasons, after the first week of consumption. We did Inca nut has been marketed as a health not find any reports where oil consumption food supplement. The material that remains by human subjects was trialed over a long after removing the oil from the seeds is period of time [feel free to let us know if you used to make flour (also called “protein have more information]. powder”). The oil and flour are incorporated into various foods and beverages. Cultivation Figure 6: Top: dry fruit with seed removed from Site selection seed pod. Bottom: Seed with kernal removed Inca nut grows best in warm climates, at from seed coat. Source: Tim Motis. low elevations and in acidic soil. However, with sufficient water and drainage, it can Plant growth and maintenance grow up to an elevation of 1700 m (5500 ft). Weed and water as needed, and supply With its vertical growth habit (Fig. 4), a lot plenty of fertilizer or compost. In China, of seed can be harvested in a small area. seed and oil yields increased (from 1,340 Planting and germination to 2486 kg/ha and from 501 to 899 kg/ha, After clearing weeds/grass from an area, respectively) as the rate of NPK fertilizer plant the seeds 2 to 3 cm deep at the was increased from 0 to 200 kg/ha, showing beginning of the rainy season. Yang et that Inca nut responds well to fertility inputs (Yang et al. 2014). Once established, the Figure 4: Photo taken in October 2015 of an al (2014) compared 5 planting densities ranging from 1,666 to 10,000 plants/ha. well-developed roots can withstand drought Inca peanut planting seeded at ECHO in Sep- but not frost (Gong et al. 2013). tember of 2014. Source: Tim Motis. They found that oil production was highest with 4,444 plants/ha, which can be achieved An Inca nut plant can reach 3 to 5 m with plants spaced in a 1.5 m X 1.5 m grid. in height or even higher. In the tropics,

6 ...... and as we have experienced in Florida’s Obtaining seed from ECHO netia volubilis) in adult human subjects.” subtropical climate, the plants tend to Food and Chemical Toxicology 65:168-176. Active development workers registered with produce long vines. Consequently, it is best Guillén, M.D., A. Ruiz. N. Cabo, R. Chrinos, and to provide support for the vines, such as the ECHOcommunity.org (see the website for G. Pacual. 2003. “Characterization of Sacha trellis shown in Figure 4. how to register) may request a trial packet Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Oil by FTIR of seed. We would be very interested to Spectroscopy and 1H NMR. Comparison with Harvesting and seed use hear of your experience with this little- .” Journal of Oil and Industries 80:755-762. Plants flower in five months, and seeds known crop. are formed by eight months. Once an Inca Nascimento, A.K., R.F. Melo-Silveira, N. Dantas- nut plant begins producing seeds, it can do References Santos, J.M. Fernandes, S.M. Zucolotto, H.A. Rocha, and K.C. Scortecci. 2013. “Antioxi- so almost year-round. A planting in China Cisineros, F.H., D. Paredes, A. Arana, and L. dant and Antiproliferative Activities of Leaf reached its highest level of fruit production Cisneros-Zevallos. 2014. “Chemical com- Extracts from Plukenetia volubilis Linneo during the second or third year (Gong et al. position, oxidative stability and antioxidant (Euphorbiaceae).” Evidence-Based Comple- 2013). capacity of oil extracted from roasted seeds mentary and Alternative Medicine 2013: of Sacha-inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.).” Article ID 950272, 10 pages. To avoid handling the messy pulp in devel- Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry oping fruits, allow them to dry on the plant 62:5191-5197. Rosa, R. and J. Quijada. 2013. “Germination of Sacha Inchi, Plukenetia volubilis L. (Mcbride, before harvest. The messy black pulp will García-Hernández, V.M., M. Gallar, J. Sánchez- 1951) (Malpighiales, Euphorbiaceae) under dry up. Soriano, V. Micol, E. Roche, and E. García- four different conditions. [Spanish].” The García. 2013. “Effect of omega-3 dietary Biologist (Lima) 11:9-14. Raw seeds need to be roasted before eating; supplements with different oxidation levels otherwise, they are too bitter. Roasting in the lipidic profile of women: a randomized Yang, C. D.Y. Jiao, Y.J. Geng, C.T. Cai, and Z.Q. at a low heat (below 60 °C [140 °F]) helps controlled trial.” International Journal of Food Cai. 2014. “Planting density and fertilisa- Sciences and Nutrition 64:993-1000. tion independently affect seed and oil yields preserve the heat-sensitive omega fatty in Plukenetia volubilis L. plants.” Journal acids. The oil, on the other hand, is made Gong, D., Y. Zhang, X. Wang, K. Zhang and Q. of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology from raw, unheated seeds. The seeds are Liu. 2013. “Experimental study on introduc- 89:201-207. tion and cultivation of featured health-care “cold-pressed” to avoid damaging (via Online information on the properties and uses of oxidation) the omega fatty acids in the oil oil plant Plukenetia volubilis [Chinese].” Acta Agriculturae Jiangxi 25:5-9. Inca nut in Western diets: (Cisineros et al. 2014). If not used quickly Gonzales, G.F. and C. Gonzales. 2014. “A http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com/ or refrigerated, the oil will become rancid. sacha-inchi-oil.html randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study on acceptability, safety and efficacy of https://www.youtube.com/ oral administration of sacha inchi oil (Pluke- watch?v=Jnpo8xwY7FA

BOOKS, WEB SITES AND OTHER RESOURCES Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands In these two volumes, written in a personal If you live and work where water is the and Beyond by Brad Lancaster and engaging style, author Brad Lancaster limiting factor for agriculture, the two presents eight principles of rainwater volumes of Rainwater Harvesting for Reviewed by Bob Hargrave harvesting and describes interventions Drylands and Beyond will be valuable to slow down or prevent rainwater loss, additions to your library. thus “harvesting” rainwater. The Interna- tional Water Management Institute claims A new conservation agriculture that “Better management of rainwater, soil newsletter moisture, and supplemental irrigation is the In September we received by e-mail an key to helping the greatest number of poor issue of the Conservation Agriculture people.” In these books, Brad has provided Newsletter. It is sent out by Putso Nyathi and perspective, practical plans, and real Neil Miller, who work as Technical Officers life examples for helping better manage with Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The CA rainwater for crop production. Newsletter is filled with practical information In Volume 1, Brad helps you discover your based on field work that is going on in East Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and farm’s rainfall patterns, amounts and flow. Africa. September’s was Issue 2; it featured Beyond is a two-volume set. Volume 1 He then guides you in planning how to titles including “Extension Approaches in (2nd Edition) is called Guiding Principles to harvest and use the rain that falls on your Promotion of Agricultural Innovation” (with Welcome Rain into Your Life and Landscape land. discussion on farmer field schools and ($29.95 from the ECHO Bookstore). farmer-to-farmer extension) and “Green Volume 2 is titled Water-Harvesting Earth- In Volume 2, Brad describes many types of Manure/Cover Crops” (with helpful insights works ($39.95 from the ECHO Bookstore). earthworks designed to harvest rainwater, on legume selection for with An accompanying website is found at www. providing examples from around the world. short- versus long-term crops). If you would harvestingrainwater.com. With each system he also provides step- like to receive the newsletter, sign up at by-step instructions for constructing earth- https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/canews- Water flows downhill, which often means works such as berms, terraces, swales, letter. away from your yard, garden, field or farm. basins and more.

EDN Issue 129 ...... 7 SAWBO (Scientific Animations Without training. Animations can be viewed using moisture levels; solar treating cowpea Borders) various devices including computers, cell seeds, creating compost, and using drip phones, and overhead projectors. irrigation. Many of the SAWBO animations Short video animations in multiple languages are available in multiple languages through are available through Scientific Animations On the home page (http://sawbo-illinois4. SAWBO’s Video Library. These videos Without Borders (SAWBO), a program org/), click on “Video Library” to access could be integrated into extension efforts administered through the University of English animations on topics related on behalf of small-scale farmers. As stated Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The videos to agriculture, health, and women’s on their home page, SAWBO has its own cover a broad range of technical agricul- empowerment. A few of the topics under YouTube channel and asks that animations tural topics, and can be downloaded free of agriculture include making natural insec- NOT be re-posted on YouTube. charge to those using them for education/ ticide from neem; using salt to test for grain

UPCOMING EVENTS

International Events: ECHO Florida Events: campus and at nearby farms, practicums

nd on food forest establishment and mainte- Best Practices in Areas of Conflict 22 Annual ECHO International nance, and an overview and detailed November 3-6, 2015 Agriculture Conference discussions of global agroforesty and Christus Center - Arua, Uganda November 17-19, 2015 perennial cropping systems Presented By: ECHO East Africa Crowne Plaza Hotel and ECHO Global Presented by: Eric Toensmeier and ECHO Farm, Fort Myers, Florida staff. First International Symposium on Moringa TAD I: The Basics Permaculture Design Certification November 15-18, 2015 January 18-22, 2016 Course Philippines Our introductory Tropical Agricultural April 20-30, 2016 Presented By: International Society for Development course for those interested in Missional Permaculture Network and Horticultural Science preparing for short/long-term involvement ECHO are teaming up to bring a perma- in agricultural development internationally. culture design certification course with a Central America/Caribbean focus on international development. The Regional Conference Agroforestry/Perennial Cropping 11 day course will include guest instructors Workshop with deep experience in both development September 27-30, 2016 and permaculture design practice. Managua, Nicaragua Second week in April, 2016; final dates to come. Save the dates! Information will be posted More information will be posted soon to the soon to the event page on ECHOcom- This workshop will include field-based event page on ECHOcommunity.org. munity.org surveys of perennial crops and various agroforestry systems based on the ECHO

This issue is copyrighted 2015. Selected material from EDN 1-100 is featured in the book Agricultural Options for the Poor, available from our bookstore (www.echobooks.org) at a cost of $19.95 plus postage. Individual issues of EDN may be downloaded from our website (www.ECHOcommunity.org) as pdf documents in English (51-129), French (91-128) and Spanish (47-128). Recent issues (101-129) can be purchased as a group from our bookstore (www.echobooks.org). Earlier issues (1-51 in English) are compiled in the book, Amaranth to Zai Holes, also available on our website. ECHO is a non-profit, Christian organization that helps you help the poor to grow food. PLEASE NOTE: At ECHO we are always striving to be more effective. Do you have ideas that could help others, or have you experimented with an idea you read about in EDN? What did or did not work for you? Please let us know the results!

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