In recent years, we’ve all seen environmental changes to our planet due to humanity and climate change. An increase in organic and permaculture have been adopted worldwide to correct some of the issues we are seeing today.
All too often, permaculture and organic farming need clarification. Although they function differently, both refrain from using chemicals on their crops.
While permaculture and organic farming strive for improvement, they often need clarification. Truthfully, there are several similarities; however, knowing the difference between the two is vital for living sustainably. At Amuura, permaculture is part of our life in Sri Lanka, and we want to share it with you.
What Is Permaculture?
Permaculture, or permanent agriculture, is the maintenance and design of environmentally friendly agriculture systems. Permaculture focuses on creating productive and self-sufficient ecosystems that resemble the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems.
Permaculture has three ethical goals: Care for the Earth, care for people and fair share. The principles emphasize working with nature, using renewable resources and minimizing waste. Permaculture designs often incorporate agroforestry, natural building, composting, and water harvesting techniques.
Despite popular belief, permaculture is more than just a set of farming techniques; it is a holistic approach to designing sustainable systems for human habitation that integrates ecological, social and economic considerations.
What Is Organic?
“Organic” refers to how agricultural products are grown and processed, and organic farming practices are designed to promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), irradiation, and sewage sludge is prohibited in organic farming.
Organic farmers rely on crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to control pests, soil fertility and diseases. They also prioritize using renewable resources, such as cover crops and animal manure, to promote long-term sustainability.
A product must be certified by a government-approved certification agency to label it as organic. The certification process involves a detailed review of the farm’s production practices and a sire inspection to ensure compliance with organic standards. Products that meet organic standards can be labeled as “100% organic,”
Overall, organic products are typically healthier and more environmentally friendly than conventionally grown products, although the evidence supporting these claims is mixed.
The Difference Between Permaculture and Organic
So what’s the difference between organic and permaculture? Permaculture and organic farming aim to create sustainable, healthy and productive food systems while minimizing the environmental impact. However, there are three differences between the two.
Gardening Techniques
Permaculture gardening creates self-sustaining and regenerative ecosystems that mimic the patterns of nature. It involves creating food systems integrated with other elements, such as animals, water harvesting systems and natural building materials. Permaculture gardens are designed to be low maintenance and resilient to environmental stressors. Because we incorporate these practices on our own tropical permaculture farm, everything we produce is one hundred percent pesticide and artificial fertilizer free.
Organic gardening is a method of growing plants without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. But Organic gardening techniques still focus on having a lot of harvest of one crop and therefore are in need of using external bought fertilizers to have enough nutrition's for the plants. Organic gardening can be practiced on any scale, from small backyard gardens to large farms.
Pest Control
Pest control in organic gardens focuses on using natural and organic methods to prevent and manage pest and disease problems. These methods include crop rotation, companion planting, beneficial insects, natural predators and organic pesticides made from natural substances like plant
oils and extracts. Organic pest control aims to reduce the impact of pests and diseases on plant health while maintaining ecological balance and minimizing harm to non-target organisms.
In our tropical permaculture garden, pest control is integrated into the overall design of the garden system. Permaculture gardens are designed to promote biodiversity, which can help to control pests and diseases naturally. By creating a diverse mix of plants, permaculture gardens can attract beneficial insects and predators that help control pest populations. Permaculture gardens may also incorporate natural barriers and companion planting elements to deter pests and promote ecological balance.
The History of Permaculture
Permaculture was developed in the 1970s by Australian ecologist Bill Mollison and his student, David Holmgren, to respond to the environmental degradation and social inequalities caused by industrial agriculture and urbanization. Various sources, including indigenous land-use practices, agroforestry systems and ecological designs, influenced Mollison and Holmgren.
Mollison and Holmgren published their ideas in a seminal book called “Permaculture One” in 1978, which introduced the concept of “permanent agriculture” to design sustainable food systems.
Permaculture has spread worldwide through grassroots networks of practitioners, and there are now permaculture projects and organizations in dozens of countries.
Amuura Spices Permaculture
Amuura is founded on tropical permaculture, and the plantation is 100% organic. Our soil quality has been built up for sustainability. We have an array of herbs, edible flowers, vegetables, small fruit-bearing trees, and other companion plantings grown together. We compost for minimal waste, water harvesting, natural building and more.
Organic farming is a gardening method that cares for people by providing them with healthier food. But permaculture is a way of life that cares for people, animals and the environment in long term. When you support permaculture, you support everyone, including the environment.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience or learn more about tropical permaculture, consider booking an Amuura holiday rental. Escape your busy everyday life and learn how a live sustainably in permaculture Sri Lanka. Stay tuned for more educational content, and click on the spices page for your permaculture spices.
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