Permaculture Design uses sector analysis to identify incoming energies and plan solutions to mitigate, channel, or allow those energies in easier. As we do not yet have a property to analyze, I am writing this as a placeholder and I will fill in the information later.
Energies to Consider
- Sun
- Summer sun angle
- Winter sun angle
- Shade trees
- Awnings, roof overhang, and shade structures
- Solar panels
- Solar ovens and dehydrators
- Solar water heater
- Wind
- Hot summer wind
- Cold winter wind
- Windbreaks
- Wind turbines
- Water
- Springs
- Streams
- Flood prone areas
- Swales and keyline to redirect water
- water turbines
- ram pump
- ponds
- Unwanted views or noise pollution
- Can be blocked with mounds, plantings, or structures
- Fire danger zone
- Mitigate with firebreaks
Slope
Slope can be a battery of potential energy when used correctly or a daily fight if not considered.
- Water
- Storing water uphill builds water pressure and makes delivering water easier.
- Materials
- Siting your production area uphill from your delivery area makes delivering easier.
- Heat
- Trees will warm cold air moving down a hill and a pond below will release heat to areas above it.
- Erosion control
- Water travelling straight down will erode your land fast. Build roads, paths, and fences along contour when possible
- Fire control
- Keep structures off of ridges, or the lee of a hill. Instead, site the building on a plateau to break the wind channel
- Aspect (sun facing)
- Site your elements that need sunlight on the south-facing side of any slope. (South-east is my preferred side)