Land preparation was carefully carried out before planting began in the West Garden. Initially, the project followed a design developed during a Permaculture Design Course (PDC). Additionally, Hügelkultur beds were integrated into three perennial plots, enhancing the original plan. This method aimed to improve soil structure, increase water retention, and support the project’s educational and experimental goals.
Why Hügelkultur in the West Garden?
Hügelkultur is a regenerative gardening method, involving raised garden beds constructed from layers of decomposing wood, branches, leaves, grass clippings, compost, and soil.
We choose Hügelkultur principles because it supports perennial crops with sustainable organic matter decomposition and provides significant ecological benefits. This method mimics natural ecological processes, building resilient ecosystems that are productive, sustainable, and self-maintaining in the long term.
As part of the land preparation, we implemented an in-ground Hugelkultur design in the three perennial sections by using machinery to dig central trenches approximately 1 meter deep.
Below are some of the key benefits:
Water Retention & Conservation
Logs and woody debris absorb and hold moisture like a sponge, greatly reducing irrigation needs.
Provides drought resilience by releasing moisture slowly during dry periods.
Improved Soil Fertility
Decomposing wood continuously releases nutrients, gradually enriching the soil over several years.
Encourages beneficial fungi, microbes, and earthworms, enhancing soil biodiversity and overall fertility.
Carbon Sequestration
Logs and organic material store carbon underground, helping to offset carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Increased Soil Aeration
Decomposition processes naturally aerate the soil, improving root penetration and supporting robust plant growth.
Reduced Need for External Inputs
Decomposition provides nutrients naturally, reducing dependence on fertilizers, amendments, and irrigation.
Step-by-Step Land Preparation
1. Clearing the Field
Land preparation began with sheep grazing the green manure planted in the previous season; afterward, we mowed any remaining vegetation.
2. Marking Out the Perennial Beds
After clearing the field, we marked the exact locations of the trenches, guided by a Detailed Design (see image below) created during the PDC. The design aimed to maximize the cultivable area while accommodating existing structures and obstacles, such as the irrigation system, shade tunnel, and tractor paths. It provided precise measurements and mapped out all perennial and annual beds along with access paths.
|MARKING OUT PROCESS|
Marking the Outlining Border
Before marking the trenches, we first needed to define the overall boundary of the cultivation area. A rectangular shape was chosen for simplicity, aligned with a ditch parallel to the road as a reference point. We used strings, posts, and measuring tapes to ensure precision.
Steps followed:
- Marked the northern boundary line (39m).
- Marked the eastern boundary line (57m), perpendicular (90°) to the northern line.
- Verified perpendicular accuracy using a temporary diagonal line (hypotenuse) and Pythagoras’ theorem (39m, 57m, and diagonal length of 69m). Adjustments were made as necessary.
- Marked the southern boundary line (39m).
- Verified accuracy again by forming another right-angled triangle using the eastern and southern lines and adjusting as needed.
- Finally, connected the western boundary line (57m), confirming accuracy with one more diagonal measurement if necessary.
Marking the Center Lines of the Three Perennial Beds
To accurately position the perennial beds, we marked temporary center lines following these steps:
- Middle bed: Marked a horizontal center line by measuring and locating the midpoint between the northern and southern boundary lines.
- Western bed: Marked a temporary center line by measuring inward from the western boundary line to the intended location of the western perennial bed.
- Eastern bed: Similarly, measured from the eastern boundary line to mark the center line of the eastern perennial bed.
- Final outline: Using these center lines as references, we marked the exact trench areas. Once completed, the initial boundary markers were removed.
3. Machine Work: Digging the Trenches
Once the field was clearly marked, machinery was used to dig the three trenches. The excavated soil was placed to one side of each trench for later use.
4. Filling the Hügelkultur Beds
Once the trenches were dug, they were filled with woody materials — primarily pruned branches collected from trees around the farm. These materials underwent preparation by trimming side branches to ensure they fit neatly into the trenches. Larger branches were placed first to support gradual decomposition, followed by smaller pieces. To minimize air pockets and improve stability, the materials were compacted firmly. The trenches were filled to approximately 80–90% of their total depth.
5. Covering the Trenches with Soil
The next step in land preparation involved filling the trenches with woody material, then using machinery to cover the remaining 10–20% with soil. Afterward, we placed leftover soil from excavation on top, shaping it into a wide, raised bed. This process created ideal conditions for planting and moisture retention.
6. Annual Zones Preparation
After completing the perennial beds, compost was evenly spread across the annual zones. Following this, the zones were sown with green manure, aligning with the recommendations from the PDC design. This green manure would prepare the area for animal grazing the following year, helping manage perennial weeds—a significant challenge on the land—and enhancing future soil fertility and productivity.
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Observation Box
During land preparation, the Soil Lab team wanted to monitor decomposition in the Hügelkultur beds without disturbing the soil. To achieve this, an ‘Observation Box’ was proposed, enabling annual observation of woody material decomposition without significant disruption. This innovative approach avoids soil disturbance and ensures sustainable, long-term monitoring.
Land preparation in the West Garden using Hugelkultur beds was more than groundwork—it established the foundation for lasting ecological regeneration. By actively integrating this regenerative method alongside sustainable annual zone management, we created ideal conditions for improved soil health, increased water retention, and richer biodiversity. Additionally, incorporating the Observation Box allows continuous monitoring and valuable educational insights into this process.
As each season unfolds, the West Garden will continue to transform, serving not only as a vibrant, productive landscape but also as an inspiring example of regenerative agriculture in action.
Learn more about Land Preparation by doing a Permaculture Design Course: PDC
Ready to dive deeper into permaculture design? Join our next Permaculture Design Course (PDC) at Quinta Vale da Lama! Learn how to create resilient ecosystems, step in the next stage of land preparation, and apply regenerative practices to your own projects. This 14 day program is facilitated by our partner Novas Descobertas Association.
