The recent floods in Vermont and the northeast are just the beginning of our problems and are why we must totally rethink our ideas about Water 
and Landscaping, Land use. Just like the floods in California last winter show, we do not have any lack of water. We lack an integrated way of thinking about water and land use that destroys land, lives, and the environment we depend on. This is an excellent short explanation of the fundamentals of the Permaculture style of systems in land use and water control.
#climatechange #ClimateAction #floods #permaculture
In Paul Stamets’ book “Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World,” he discusses the various ways fungi can be utilized in ecological restoration efforts. One of the applications he explores is the use of fungi in water purification and restoration systems. Integrating these ideas into permaculture designs for water control systems can contribute to the restoration of degraded landscapes and the creation of healthier ecosystems. Here’s a description of how this integration might occur:
- Fungal Filtration Systems: Fungi have the ability to break down and absorb various contaminants and pollutants present in water, including heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds. Permaculture water control systems can incorporate specially designed fungal filtration systems to purify water as it passes through them. This can involve creating channels or beds filled with specific types of fungi known for their water-cleansing properties.
- Mycofiltration: Mycofiltration involves using fungi to filter and treat water in a decentralized and low-cost manner. In permaculture designs, mycofiltration can be integrated into the layout of water control systems such as swales, ponds, or wetlands. By strategically introducing fungi that can effectively filter out pollutants, the water flowing through these systems can be gradually purified and restored.
- Mycoremediation: Fungi are known for their ability to break down and degrade organic pollutants. Mycoremediation involves using specific fungi species to target and remediate contaminated sites. In the context of permaculture water control systems, mycoremediation can be employed to clean up water bodies suffering from organic pollution, such as excessive nutrient runoff or wastewater discharge. By incorporating designated areas or floating rafts with fungi that thrive on organic waste, the water quality can be improved, promoting a healthier ecosystem.
- Water Retention and Nutrient Cycling: Permaculture designs emphasize the importance of water retention and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Fungi play a crucial role in both these processes. By integrating mycelium into the soil structure and water control features like swales or rain gardens, fungi can help retain water, prevent erosion, and promote healthy soil ecosystems. This enhances the overall water management and ecological resilience of the permaculture design.
- Collaboration with Plant Systems: Fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, particularly through mycorrhizal associations, where they exchange nutrients and support plant growth. In permaculture designs, water control systems can incorporate plantings that work in harmony with fungi, such as mycorrhizal-friendly species. This collaboration can enhance water quality and ecosystem health by optimizing nutrient cycling, improving soil structure, and promoting plant resilience.
It’s important to note that the integration of fungi into permaculture water control systems requires careful consideration of the specific fungal species, site conditions, and ecological context. Consulting with experts in mycology, permaculture design, and water management will help ensure successful implementation and maximize the benefits of fungi in restoring degraded landscapes into healthy ecosystems.
