Permaculture Design for Slope

CORRECTION: There is an error in this diagram. The 30% slope section is drawn too gently. That section should be drawn slightly steeper then the 25% slope section, but it is instead drawn more gently than that section. The corrected drawing would show that the slope that Mollison recommends for permanent forest is steeper than what is drawn.

CLARIFICATION:
The way that the percentage of slope is represented in this video is different from conventional civil engineering. Civil engineers represent the percentage of slope as simple rise / run, so a 100% slope is 45 degrees. In the Permaculture Designer's Manual, Bill Mollison represents slope like it is shown in this video. We are not sure where Moillison's method of representing slope percentage is derived from, but it differs from the engineering representation.

Designing for slope in a permaculture system is a key aspect for being in beneficial relationships with water, soil, warm and cold air flows, forests, gardens, and the appropriate placement of all elements. This video is an animated summary of much of the information on slope provided by Bill Mollison in the 'Permaculture Designer's Manual'. This presentation is by Andrew Millison and is part of Oregon State University's Permaculture Design Certificate Course.

OSU's Permaculture Design Certificate Course:

OSU's Advanced Permaculture Design Course:

OSU's free Intro to Permaculture Course:

[rakhijain]

I am writing a young adult fiction book on forest restoration. My purpose is to pass on the message in an entertaining way so that these principles come naturally to kids. Your methods and themes are so easy to understand that it would help me enrich the story with accurate descriptions. Thank you very much.

[VeronicaMist]

I'm a 15yr experienced permaculture designer and I've just got to say that your presentations are absolutely supremo!! Clear, concise, and BEAUTIFULLY illustrated. Amazing. Thank you!

[forcesightknight]

I'm in Colorado at 7000 feet where it's dry as a desert at times. Took almost 10 years to dig my well, but last fall I finally got water flowing. It goes from my well up about 150 feet so it gravity feeds everything below it. I'm working on my degree in permaculture design myself, and my land project is my masters piece. Thanks for this refresher, my BM PDC book disappeared 25 years ago.

[highfive]

Came for the lecture, stayed for the backwards writing. Super neat, too. What a legend.

[amillison]

I have become aware that there is an error in this diagram. The 30% slope section is drawn too gently. That section should be slightly steeper then the 25% slope section, where it appears slightly more gentle. Sorry for any confusion this causes!

[elisalzman]

This is fantastic for understanding good use of a LARGE area. But since I don't own a hill/forrest and the valley below it (I mean, let's be honest, only a tiny fraction of the population does), I'm having a hard time extrapolating this down to MY size (1/4 to 1/2 acre slightly sloped plot in Italy). I REALLY like your explanation and the drawings and genius presentation method, but could you direct me to a video that does the same thing but for a small plot of land? So....instead of the uphill "forest" there is the blackberry/small trees/bushes uphill boundary against the steep terrace wall coming down from adjacent property, then our narrow terrace with Olive trees.

[TheGrasspond]

I have an MS in natural resource management. This is the best permaculture presentation I've ever seen.

[asamnewhaylemichael]

yes brother! when ever I watch your lectures I usually forget to appreciate the multi level presentation that I am taking a note of or your skill of art and presentation that you bring forth ! brother it is just amazing what you're doing. thank you so much for sharing. I have learned a lot from your hard work. much much appreciated.. looking for you next

[wild-radio]

When the money ran out... I had to drop out of school :(
I MISS THIS SO MUCH!!!
you are my shelter-in-place *HERO*

[Unclebarr]

These are fantastic modules! Thank you much for making these video free to the public. You are doing true service for earth and people.

[oskarcotte]

Thanks so much for your videos
They’re the most comprehensive ones !
I live on a 75% slope hillside that was first terrassed in the 16th, most of the walls have collapsed and we’re done restoring the ones that are still in place and want to expand to an area that collapsed completely in 2014 during the floods… most difficult for now it seems is finding the bed rock all by hand, and also keeping in in mind the topography…

[lgjlgj]

(Rise/run)*100% Not just with engineers, but this is universally agreed on. So much praise.

[davidthegood]

Excellent illustrations and presentation - thank you.

[jessibloom]

you are such a great teacher Andrew. Thanks for breaking down slope in a high tech visual way!

[alexisjutras]

I'm thoroughly glad. Thank you for sharing. Personally I am an individual who has difficulties with theory in general when I do not have visual exemples. Your videos are the outmost best on comprehension and have helped me so much understanding about permaculture. Keep going! The change is coming!

[zomesargentina]

One of the greatest permaculturalists of our modern era! So clear and precise!

[JeremyThomas_Environmentarian]

Great lecture. I'm researching layouts for my 1/2 acre on a slope and this diagram fits perfectly over my plan. Amazing. Thanks. Reach out if you'd like some more info on the project.

[honestlyna]

This looks like my land! I am so excited to permaculture on it now and use these techniques. Awesome video!

[guicastagnadesigneco]

Offered this class yesterday at a PDC in São Paulo, Brazil. Loved the visuals! Will incorporate that into my future teachings. Thanks brother!

[yLeprechaun]

Wow! Not only do I have a grasp on slope and water storage placement/benefit, but...you didn't have your back to us! Maybe that shouldn't matter so much, but maybe my brain is weird, so...thanks!
Also, I had not thought of soil as migratory via gravity. Seems so rudimentary now that you mention it.
Great video