Salihli, Mersinli, Nature Revitalization Project
Project Location:
The project owners, the Aydınoğlu family, invested in land in the rural area of Mersinli Village, Salihli District of Manisa, and planned to plant walnut trees on these lands. There is no water source in the vicinity and water boreholes were opened to irrigate the walnuts, but no water came out. In this case, planting walnuts was abandoned and as a result of the search for a solution, it was thought that it would be correct to proceed with the 'Permaculture' design road map. We were asked for support and a permaculture study was carried out. Requested:
Testing and demonstrating options for revitalizing soil and nature with a pilot project in a small area:
Rainwater harvesting as there is no water source
Selection of plant species that require little water and are suitable for the local area
Data:
From local exploration and climate data:
Soil structure: In most places the lower layers are very sandy, sometimes calcareous.
Mineral poor, cannot hold water, alkaline
The amount of organic matter is too low
Climate: Dry, hot from May to October
Rainfall regime:
There is very little rainfall between June and October
Monthly average 45.8 mm
Monthly average between November and May is 68 mm
Prevailing Winds
East – West direction
Soil samples were taken from 60-90 cm depths and blended. Soil analyzes were carried out to understand what kind of situation the tree roots would encounter in the soil at these depths. From Soil Analysis Result:
The organic matter content of soils is very low
The water retention capacity of the soil decreases and the fertility of the soil decreases.
Generally sandy soil structure prevails
It becomes difficult to retain water in sandy soil.
In general, the soil is low in clay – which reduces its water retention capacity.
In addition, as a general characteristic of sandy soils, the soil PH is slightly alkaline and alkaline.
Walnut trees generally grow well in soils with a PH of 6.8-7.2. It is difficult in soils above 8 PH.
Olives can grow at pH levels of 5.5 – 8.5.
In general, the nitrogen content of soils is low. Supplementation with plenty of nitrogenous animal and bird manure is required.
Phosphorus is too little.
It is very important in the development of the plant.
Flora:
Oak, pear and hawthorn trees were rarely observed within the boundaries of the land. Generally, the soil is bare - there is no vegetation. There are olive groves nearby; Additionally, sesame is grown in some fields because it does not require irrigation.
3-D Model and Analyzes:
Soil and Water Works:
Soil conservation, soil production and water retention are the main permaculture activities.
Soil Protection:
The soil surface is covered with green mulch plants.
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Clover species, pasture grasses
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Planted in the soil in autumn when the rains begin
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From May onwards, the rising grasses are mowed and laid on the ground
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The roots spreading in the soil increase the amount of organic matter in the soil, which allows the soil to retain more water.
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Dry plant stems and leaves covering the soil form a layer on the soil. It restricts the sun's access to the soil and the topsoil retains moisture for longer. New topsoil is formed over the years
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Leguminous plants fertilise the soil naturally by releasing nitrogen into the soil.
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Plants absorb carbon from the air. In this way, carbon is stored in the soil and reduces the effects of climate change.
Water Retention:
In order to increase the water holding capacity of the soil:
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The amount of soil organic matter should be increased
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Continuous hoeing should be abandoned
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Natural life should be revitalised in the soil:
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Soil covered with vegetation and organic matter
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Natural soil cycle is established with beneficial bacteria, fungi, earthworms
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They can be mixed into the soil:
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Leonardite
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zeolite
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Capturing rainfall on the land:
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A permaculturist's primary job is to capture and store the energies coming onto his or her land. One of the incoming energies is water. On sloping lands, works are carried out to retain rainwater from the upper elevations and absorb it into the soil.
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Water retention with ditches and terraces:
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On sloping lands, as the water flows downwards, it accelerates and as it accelerates, it carries heavier pieces of soil with it, causing erosion. The topsoil is eroded and becomes unfertile.
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Starting from the top elevation, ditches / bumps and / or terraces to be opened on the contour / co-surface curves create obstacles to rainwater flowing on the slope.
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The water remaining in the ditch is absorbed into the soil. A 'Food Forest' design is realised around the ditch, providing an 'edge effect' that ensures fertility and resilience in ecosystems.
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During heavy rainfall, the ditches fill with water. Excess water can be stored in 'contour ponds'.
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The ponds need to be lined with EMDM membrane: it is not possible to retain water naturally in sandy soil.
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Terraces can be created at 8-10 metre intervals where a tractor can drive. They serve both as water retention with a ditch and as access roads.
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Design:
To revitalize the soil and increase its water retention capacity:
First of all, soil protective and soil revitalizing works will be carried out in the soil area between the tree lines:
The soil will be hoeed and soil revitalization work will be carried out:
Mulch, leonardite and zeolite mixture will be spread and mixed into the soil by hoeing.
Scratches will be made on the surface curves with a chisel plow and seeds of predominantly clover species will be sown.
In other land areas, clover species will be thrown away and mixed into the soil. When the grass that grows in the spring reaches knee height, it will be mowed and laid on the soil. In this way, the soil surface will be covered – water loss from the soil will be reduced. Meanwhile, nitrogen will be released into the soil from legume grass roots and the soil will be fertilized.