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Permaculture - A Designers' Manual | Chapter 10: The Humid Tropics

Updated: Nov 24

Dive into the unique characteristics and permaculture strategies for the humid tropics.

Permaculture - A Designers' Manual | Chapter 10: The Humid Tropics

Welcome back!

In our previous post, we discussed the importance of understanding and harnessing the earth's resources, from soil and sand to boulders and gravel. We also detailed different earthworking techniques and tools, like banks, terraces, and the use of leveling tools such as the Bunyip level and A-frame.

In this installment of our "Manual" series, we turn our attention to the lush environments of the humid tropics. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the unique challenges and opportunities that the humid tropics present to permaculture designers.

In case you missed all the posts so far and would like to start the “Manual” series right from the beginning, the very first post is here.

Climate, Soils and Nutrient Cycling in the Tropics

Climate in the Tropics

Tropical climates are characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. These climates can be further subdivided based on variations in rainfall patterns. Understanding the specific climate type is crucial for successful permaculture design in these environments.

Soils and Nutrient Cycling in the Tropics

Tropical soils tend to be highly weathered and often lack certain nutrients, due to intense leaching from heavy rainfall. However, the warm temperatures and abundant moisture promote rapid nutrient cycling, with organic matter quickly decomposed and returned to the soil by a diverse community of soil organisms.

Earth Shaping and House Design in the Tropics

Earth Shaping in the Tropics

In the humid tropics, earth shaping can be a powerful tool for managing water, improving soil, and creating microclimates. Techniques like terracing can help control erosion on steep slopes, while swales and contour bunds can be used to slow, spread, and sink rainwater, enhancing its availability to plants.

House Design in the Tropics

In the humid tropics, house design should aim to maximize ventilation and comfort while minimizing exposure to heat and humidity. Aspects such as orientation, shading, and the use of materials can all significantly affect the indoor climate.

Permaculture Design Strategies for the Tropics

Permaculture Design Strategies for the Tropics

Polyculture: Polyculture, or the growing of multiple crops in the same space, is a strategy that takes advantage of the high diversity and rapid growth in the tropics. This can increase productivity, improve soil health, and reduce pest pressures compared to monoculture systems.

Integrated Land Management: This strategy involves considering all aspects of the land - from water and soil to plants and animals - as interconnected. In the tropics, this might mean using swales or terraces to manage water, integrating livestock to help manage vegetation and recycle nutrients, or using agroforestry systems that combine trees with crops and/or livestock.

As we wrap up our exploration of the humid tropics, we hope you've gained insights into the specific considerations needed when designing permaculture systems in these climates. In our next post, we'll continue our "Manual" series journey as we delve into a different climate type.

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