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:
pace.oregonstate.edu/catalog/...
OSU's Advanced Permaculture Design Course:
pace.oregonstate.edu/catalog/...
OSU's free Intro to Permaculture Course:
open.oregonstate.edu/courses/...

[@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.

[@pendragon_cave1405]

What would you say is a good way to do a gray water reclamation in northern Colorado? With the cold winters is it even possible?

[@forcesightknight]

@@pendragon_cave1405 Yes it's possible. Is your grey water contaminated with bleach or anti bacterial junk?

[@JenniferMoleski]

BraVO! I'm really pumped that you exist! 🥂

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

Congratulations……it must feel great to action your plans.

[@rakhijain2939]

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.

[@AYoung-rt9ij]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤!! Id buy it now. Im a 44 yr old kid, who still loves; dewy spiderwebs, and, my effective ( due to many hours watching and learning on youboop) pincherbug traps. 😂

[@mtownzach]

The man who planted trees

[@bte_permaculture]

Would you share the link of the book please ❤

[@highfive9835]

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

[@jenniferelkins]

I'm sure it's more likely that they reverse the image rather than worry about backwards writing.

[@highfive9835]

@@jenniferelkins That makes sense.

[@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!

[@wild-radio7373]

You are just WONDERFUL!! 🤜👍🤛♡♡♡

[@londobali]

in most places, a 1:1 slope = 100% grade. (nvrmd, just saw the video's description. Bill's mistake. I still think it shouldn't be used, as it's very confusing.)

[@ollekath]

Thanks for the correction, I was about to comment on it

[@jcwong10]

Oh, weird. Apparently, Mollison's mathematical definition of %slope is different from everyone else's. I (an engineer-like person) just thought that rise:run = 3 :10 = 3/10 = 30%. So, 1:2 = 50% and 1:1 = 100% and 2:1 = 200%. The steepness of the lines drawn was perfectly fine, but someone needs to ask Bill Mollison what numbers he uses.

[@asamnewhaylemichael7534]

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 piece..!!!!!

[@TheGrasspond]

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

[@wild-radio7373]

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.

[@alexisjutras55]

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!

[@lgjlgj5994]

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

[@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.

[@guicastagnadesigneco]

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

[@zomesargentina]

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

[@jessibloom4289]

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

[@davidthegood]

Excellent illustrations and presentation - thank you.

[@alexstuardovilches8004]

OMG i loved this video! Even when some gradiants are a bit confusing, theidea and explanation are amazing. THanks!

[@forcesightknight]

Thanks for citing bill mollison and giving the God father some props.

[@honestlyna]

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

[@wild-radio7373]

How am I JUST finding this?!?! I am super excited! I'm headed to your back channel to watch ALL your videos!! *THANK YOU SO MUCH*

[@joshualehman4477]

This is such a MASSIVE help - thank you, SO much for sharing knowledge!

[@TheGrcenp]

Thanks for your video. Watching from the Philippines 😊

[@eddygudijanto9985]

Eddy Gudijanto: Thank you very much - this is a very descriptive and very good presentation.

[@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.

[@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

[@davideforesti7556]

Thank you really, finally a clear explanation, in PC is generally confusing about this things..

[@algigirl]

Very good explanation.keep it up

[@naturebynature1724]

Amazing education.. thanks for your deepest explanation.. your explanations are very useful to understand the natural eco system as well as helps how we can adopt with nature without disturbing the natural landscape...

[@drkhubalkarmakarandvk.1259]

Great work, simple and lucid way of teaching to the point.

[@AYoung-rt9ij]

Really cool. I liked it. I used to do landscaping. And terracing was my favorite thing. To study the land and how, she, wants to be treated. What works and what doesnt. Love it!!

[@gregoryeastwood9068]

How the heck you managed to make this interesting is beyond me.....but you had my attention throughout . Well done!

[@miltoncesarhernandezrivera2429]

Gracias! excelente vídeo.!

[@shakejones]

great presentation mate! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@saurabhraghuvanshi4262]

Thank you for this beautiful presentation...

[@bijoyvasudevan1861]

Splendid presentation 👍👍👏👏, kudos to you from India. I have gained tremendous knowledge 🙏

[@laureleastman4191]

Just awesome - thank you Andrew

[@jaceware8808]

Awesome presentation. I love the graphics on the glass in front of you.

[@louislavoie1238]

Thank you for sharing this valuable knowledge.

[@jkoehler9468]

you are a great teacher. Thank you

[@annrenee3265]

Excellent explanations and what a brilliant draughtsman you are. I love your channel ~ thx

[@SeanLarkan]

Wonderful presentation, great content and made accessible to many of us lay viewers; grateful appreciation!

[@yukonjack8103]

Excellent presentation!

[@wwabete2009]

Amazing lecture! Thanks a lot

[@seansherlock9047]

These videos are excellent. Extremely informative and well presented. Any other quality permaculture resources you'd recommend? Thank you!

[@paolocelleri2333]

This is great. I can’t believe it’s free. Thank you !!!

[@mannieromero2697]

Thanks, very helpful video.

[@richlijacanacua]

Awesome perspective and design.

[@Cyan_Lizor]

Fantastic presentation!

[@4helex]

Wow! Thank You. I finally fully understand key point and key line.

[@amillison]

Glad you liked it Pat. I didn't explain the keyline. It is the contour line that emanates from the keypoint within a valley. In order to see the keyline, we'd have to change perspective and look at the image straight on. But I am working on that. More to come :-)

[@4helex]

yes, I was thinking of the series of your videos I watched.

[@davidwinter9398]

Excellent teacher

[@shannagarroutte7829]

Thank you! This helped me a ton!

[@_Diana_S]

These videos are like art objects.

[@tantrictami]

Great information thank you

[@theloopcrew5947]

Stunning thank you so much for sharing, hugely appreciated

[@mideallen202]

Fantastic.... Just woow explained so wonderful with great visuals also

[@dinosaur0073]

Great....& Godbless you...alot of value info.

[@superbaim]

Fantastic video, thx for sharing

[@prepperbr]

this content is pure gold, thanks a lot from Brasil.

[@OSUEcampus]

We are so glad you love it!

[@symabiosyndicat5769]

Thank you for sharing

[@HeliIsoAho]

Fantastic presentation. Thank you for sharing! :-)

[@eunickissimo]

Great! Thank you!

[@rejjiecarter6548]

Thank you!

[@tanusutomo7031]

Very useful information tq 👍

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Superb info Thank you so much for sharing I love your videos

[@elsagrace3893]

Well, that was fun and engaging. Thanks 😊

[@HumbleGolds]

VEry nice explanation. Planning on a 2.5 acres that has a slight 10 degree slope.

[@rebeccab6791]

Wow, great! Thank you very much!

[@sunalwaysshinesonTVs]

Wow, that's an impressive drawing.

[@pagevpetty]

Great, thanks for sharing! Query: If the slope IS north facing would it be better to plant the tall trees at the bottom and smaller growth at the top?

[@peterlawrence738]

Excellent

[@birodshrestha3336]

Thank u so much

[@culbinator]

This is so good

[@arabghazi3611]

You engineered and factored by using symbolic geometry natural phenomenon as it naturally happened in it place.thank you

[@ashleighconnors9595]

How can you ensure that the water stored above the house doesn't impact the house by banks breaking or anything ? Thanks. Love the video !

[@pudtanchantarangkul7630]

All the content is great and easy to understand by your illustration, but please check on the percent slope calculation. 1:1= 100% not 50%.

[@julienburlion5570]

Fantastic video

[@dancanrv2]

AWESOME video

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Superb!

[@hemantbatra1959]

Amazing !!!

[@jamessang1704]

So, which of these ideas can I present to the Salinas Valley ground water basin sustainability agency to help refill our water aquifers?

[@chich3chich176]

Hey Andrew, Thank you so much for doing all these videos. I find them all extremely helpful and informative. You’re a great teacher and artist. 👍🏽 I have a small piece of property in South Central Oregon that I want to build a couple of swales on but I really need some advice from a professional on the best way to do this. I have so many questions that I just want to make sure that I’m doing it the right way. Do you know of anybody that I could reach out to you that good counsel me on this project?

[@amillison]

Hello chich3chich, these are your best people for the job in Southern Oregon: siskiyoupermaculture.com/ Good luck, Andrew

[@suneetsalvi1200]

I just love your presentations. I have plot of land with a 60 to 30° slope and am wondering how to go about working on it.

[@ahmadzeb3607]

Plant native fruit trees.

[@stefanpop4957]

Love this chanel.

[@OSUEcampus]

So happy you do! 😎

[@andrewdegozaru74]

From one Andrew to another, thank you for putting together a fantastic course. A question or two if I may - could I understand why there is such concentrated focus on Mollison's work? I'm guessing permaculture is too broad for Mollison to have been the originator of much of his work? I also get the sense that Masanobu Fukuoka, e.g. 'one straw revolution' has been at least somewhat overlooked in the west. What's your view?

[@amillison]

Mollison and David Holmgren originated the word "Permaculture", and he wrote the "Permaculture Designers Manual", so Mollison really laid out the permaculture design system as a land assessment and design protocol more than any others. Fukuoka is more of a philosopher. He had a method, but it was not as clearly spelled out and universally applicable as what Mollison laid out. Another person who clearly laid out a design system that serves a lot as foundational material for permaculture is P.A.Yeomans with the Keyline Plan.

[@bapodariya11]

Wonderful✨😍

[@BikeAndFish1]

Amazing............

[@stephanieray6587]

I just bought a property, I thought it was safe from pooling water because it is on a slope, but it turns out that it is at the infection point (bottom of the steep grade, top of a gentle one), so perfect for water collection, as in having a lake form in the crawlspace underneath the building after it rains. Going to try to make lemonade out of a lemon and collect all that incoming water in a cistern.

[@plumerault]

there's an error: 100% slope corresponds to 45° (not 90° as on your diagram), because slope in percent is "rise" divided by "run".

[@noflashbang]

I’m sad to see I had to scroll so far down to find this comment.

[@joepeeer4830]

ty

[@talkshow7335]

Rich info

[@ThomasSmith-rf2rk]

A 45 degree topographical angle represents a 100% slope, not a 50% slope.

[@SebR-FR]

hmm I disagree about % slope. % is already a ratio, when you elevate 1m on 1m lenght you have a 100% slope and it's a 45° angle or a 1/1 ratio.

[@amillison]

Yes. Please see the clarification in the video notes.

[@SebR-FR]

Ok... but it's weird, I don't get the point why he used %slope this way.

[@amillison]

@@SebR-FR I agree. If I had studied engineering before I got into permaculture, I would have presented this differently. It does cause confusion that slope in Mollison's texts is communicated in this way.

[@alwaysradical1613]

Geoff Lawton always suggests trees right below the swales. To help water absorption and reduce evaporation. I'm wondering, why was that not discussed in this design?

[@lapiz033]

45 degrees is 100% slope. 1/1 or 100/100. Your % are wrong. Very nice and good videos by the way!!

[@fionabryce4514]

how does he do that!

[@codyabel4766]

This guy is the bomb!

[@markd.9042]

Topography is important to permaculture.

[@turtlenecks]

Wow.

[@willkrummeck]

@9:07 relevant and summarised things

[@albalqainnovationinstitute1304]

3:37 Yemen is a great example of terraces my freind. Elham