Theory in Practice: A Tour of Zaytuna Farm

Take a 20-minute tour of our 66-acre Zaytuna Farm property located in Northern NSW, Australia. Throughout, I explain specific features of the farm, how these things came together, and why the farm was designed as you see it. If some terms aren’t familiar, we have included a detailed explanation below and to learn more, watch my free Permaculture Masterclass series, here: www.discoverpermaculture.com
Zaytuna Farm went into development in 2001 with earthworks for the mainframe water system. The tour starts along the oldest, largest swale on the property, and it supports a well-established food forest, which includes jackfruit, mango, custard apples, Brazil cherries, pecans, and more. The productive forest is designed to mimic a natural forest, and the swale helps to hydrate the property. With systems like these, the farm is continually improving into a drought-proof, flood-proof, and extremely stable landscape.
Swale: A swale is a water-harvesting and tree-growing system that resembles a ditch, only it sits level and holds water until it soaks into the landscape rather than draining water away. Swales are on slopes, and the lower side of swales are bordered with berms (mounds of soil) into which trees are planted.
Food Forest: A food forest is a designed forest meant to replicate what happens in natural forests but with a diverse collection, a polyculture, of productive (and supportive) trees and plants operating from the root level to the overstory.
Chop-and-Drop: Support trees and plants, particularly grown for their nitrogen-fixing and biomass-producing abilities, are regularly cut (“chopped”), and the prunings are left on the forest floor (“dropped”) to decompose, creating fertile soil and fostering fungal networks.
Chinampa: Chinampas are an ancient agricultural method that combines shallow water systems for raising fish and aquatic crops with artificial islands and/or peninsulas for growing land crops. This method is considered one of the most successful and sustainable in history.
Maincrop: The main gardens on Zaytuna farm have been in continuous production for over 12 years. They grow the main volume of vegetables on the farm, and their soils are constantly revitalized with compost provided by two chicken tractor systems. The two chicken tractors yield one cubic meter of compost each every week, so it’s no wonder the fertility of the soil continual improves. Geoff walks us through double-reach row upon row of crops: potatoes, daikon, snow peas, bak choy, cabbages, field peas, onions, garlic, carrots, beetroots, Romanesque, broad beans, etc. On the outside of the rows and occasionally betwixt them are alley crops of leucaena, a nitrogen-fixing legume, which are being groomed as high pollards. This is where the big, bulky crops are produced, and the system could be replicated for sustainable market production.
Chicken tractor: A chicken coop that, beyond just raising chickens/eggs, is used to process waste materials and produce compost. They are typically movable and often relocated to also aid in weed and pest control via the chickens feeding on them.
Bathtub worm farm: Worms make fantastic fertilizer via their castings (poop) and the juice, and bathtubs make great homes for worms, as well as easily harvesting these castings and this worm juice. The bottom of tubs are lined so that juice drip through the drain, and they are filled with manure and organic materials for the worms to eat.
Composting toilets and reed beds: All of the toilets onsite are composting. They are flushed with sawdust or shredded organic matter, and when they are full, they are emptied into wire baskets in the forest to sit for 9-10 months. The processed compost is spread around trees, and it is completely safe to handle and looks like typical forest mulch. Geoff grabs a handful and sniffs it to demonstrate. There is a large reed bed system made with two concrete bays. Water comes from the kitchen through a grease trap then a septic tank then reed roots before emptying into a leach field that soaks towards productive systems. There is also polypropylene reed bed suitable for one household that functions the same way as the commercial one.
Cell-grazing: Animals are fenced in and allowed to graze small sections (cells) of the land for a set amount of time, often a day or a few days, before being moved on. This maintains the land and feeds the livestock without degrading the landscape.
Wilderness: an integral part of permaculture design and a place which nourishes us and the planet.
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#permaculture #sustainability #nature

[@markballard6834]

this is what the world needs more of

[@luzdeluna7386]

I can’t stop smiling, the chickens,ducks, the worms, the whole system is awesome!

[@messianicworshipdancer]

Very nice to see, I am agricultural trained and have had an organic dairy goat farm. About 4 years ago I first read about permaculture. It has completely changed my vision on agriculture and livestock farming.

[@electricimpulsetoprogramming]

is it hard to learn?

[@adbc8213]

Yes! Stay with it Geoff Lawton... there are a lot of us that are listening, watching and learning....

[@ahmmedali2660]

We need more farmers like you to recover what we lost today. Thank you very much sir for sharing your knowledge🥰🥰🥰

[@natemorlock2379]

Commenting to help the algorithm. I've followed Geoff Lawton and his permaculture lessons for years. Love every bit of it. God bless him and all those who value permaculture

[@wayneosmand7652]

Bill would be so proud of where you have taken Permaculture Geoff!

[@LibertyWarrior68]

I'm starting my Permaculture journey, getting ready for anything that is coming. I'm in mid NSW, it's semi-desert, and my garden is doing great.

[@jeremygrillo7157]

My goodness, what a breath of fresh air....... At last congratulations this is definitely the future. Respect, love and peace.

[@Daniel-qj3tp]

I have learnt so much from this man, I’ve implemented a lot this in a city section, mostly free eggs, compost, vegetables, fruit and plants.

[@yukey2587]

Yes, me as well, barring the eggs. Our city still says they are a hazard. Yes, the danger of free food!

[@naakatube]

Daniel 🌼🌼🌼❤️❤️❤️ECOSIA❤️❤️❤️🌼🌼🌼 🌼🌼🌼❤️❤️❤️ECOSIA❤️❤️❤️🌼🌼🌼 🌼🌼🌼❤️❤️❤️ECOSIA❤️❤️❤️🌼🌼🌼 🌼🌼🌼❤️❤️❤️ECOSIA❤️❤️❤️🌼🌼🌼 🌼🌼🌼❤️❤️❤️ECOSIA❤️❤️❤️🌼🌼🌼

[@PaulDeuchar]

I don't think this can be said enough... "You are AWESOME!" :D

[@abdulkhafidsulaymaan]

THEY are awesome- it took a lot of people to get this where it is, he could not have done it alone. Neither can we...

[@PaulDeuchar]

@@abdulkhafidsulaymaan You have improved what I said, many times over! :)

[@elizabethflynn8455]

After a few weeks of being bombarded with extreme negativity about the state of everything,this video is like so,so welcome. If we get a grip of ourselves,draw our egos into some sort of control,we can do so much to sort out the crappy situation we have found ourselves in. The situation is ALL our own doing,so we all need to take responsibility and get cracking on the solution. Thanks Geoff. I really needed this to remind me that there is a real need for positive action. Enough negativity. Let's just stop focusing on the problems,and get on with the task of healing and helping. 😘😘😘

[@thomasellis8586]

Well said!

[@elizabethflynn8455]

@@thomasellis8586 😊

[@blackeye700]

Thanks for inspiring me to start a food forest.

[@joecrablone286]

Such a great video, Zaytuna is becoming the ultimate permaculture case study! Love the chinampa concept - it's one of the only Permaculture designs that I haven't seen any examples of.

[@inlikearefugee5194]

I thought they are plenty in Thailand where they grow water apples.

[@JB-yg3ew]

ABC acres in Montana has some, very different climate :)

[@csengeannaillesfalvi905]

You're just amazing! I live in Hungary and I plan to develop my permaculture farm here. You give a lot of inspiration and I hope that one day we will meet in person. Thank you for everything! from Hungary

[@fynn24]

Sounds great! But how cold does it get in winter in Hungary?

[@dreamingofnorthernlightsone]

Sending unconditional love for your dream.

[@jungojerry1658]

I'm amazed at how well organized and complete your systems are - which attests to the length and breadth of your knowledge and understanding of nature.

[@lynettemokgano9009]

I am late to permaculture. In 2020 I bought 28ha with a friend. In 2021 I started planting fruit trees from seeds with the help of YT. We are in the process of surveying water in our land so we can water all the fruit trees I have planted in pots. I hope they produce fruits once they are planted in the ground. Please pray for us for progress

[@richardplants122]

I've learned a lot from this vedio, watching from the most beautiful island in the world Palawan, Philippines 🇵🇭

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

Great work Geoff! All of us who are lucky enough to partake in these types of projects need to share on KZbin.

[@cursedrr8647]

Machaellah. Everytime I watch his videos I am in awe. God willing I get to have my own piece of land and try some of these systems.

[@jhosk]

Look into high desert land, can pick it up for $500 to $1000 an acre, most have no idea what can be done when you have a blank slate.

[@an-pinghsieh6273]

Here in kampheng phet Thailand, planty of land leased for 1500thai bt a year a rai

[@Skashoon]

As I watch these videos, it inspires and makes me realize what could be. Lots of work for a retired, one-man operation. Praying that I can accomplish at least a fraction of Zaytuna’s systems and results.

[@Jeepfool]

I’m case you don’t hear it enough Love all the work you do

[@janicemasaira]

Immersing urself in such projects will relieve u off from the stresses of life, it's therapeutic! Though someone pilfered on our chickens, we're enjoying papayas, guavas, mangoes, peaches, passion fruit, bananas from a small establishment. It's doable, thank you sir for the tour.

[@odnewdylee]

Thank you so much for sharing what you do. Changed my life.

[@glennsandberg453]

how did it chage your life? lol

[@svetlanikolova7673]

It also changed my life and made t possible to live on a lot less than others. I count myself blessed!

[@svetlanikolova7673]

@@glennsandberg453 Maybe its time for you to use your brain and imagination and put down playboy?????

[@dreamingofnorthernlightsone]

You are Awesome

[@shantanuhiroji9415]

Extraordinary natural system Excellent work

[@1876Susan]

Thank you so much for showing how domestic fowl can be used in the garden. They are such an asset, and they make lovely pets too.

[@marcuscrothers2605]

I am studying to attain a farm and culture precisely the way you are. Thank you for your experience and information, continued success and happiness

[@robinhedstrom6565]

after the cabbages and before the onions was that Aloe Vera that i saw there? I Love Aloe Vera! Thank You Dear Geoff for All The Beautiful work you do to help co-create a better world in Harmony with Mother Earth. Bless You!

[@kyla2423]

So glad Justin Rhodes mentioned you! Thank you for sharing your passion, wealth of knowledge and experience ❤

[@cissynalwanga9038]

Too much knowledge, I have picked a lot, soon I will practice all this. Very applicable down here in Uganda. Thank you so much.

[@Fjuron]

Beautiful. Mimic nature, the basic principle is so simple.

[@PermacultureHomestead]

Where are you Rick Larson, Chinapa's ! Love you Geoff, our project site will be abundant in its 3rd year, thanks for sharing the knoweldge and love.

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

I've watched everyone of your videos that show up on my phone on KZbin. You are absolutely amazing. Thank you, Geoff, for learning so much from Bill Mollison and continuing his work.

[@larskristiansen9158]

Last comment from Geoff was so important! Sitting among the trees doing nothing is the best

[@dreamingofnorthernlightsone]

That does much❣

[@PkSage89]

18:30 "you would have no idea, how it started life" That's a good one.

[@roseannamarotta5864]

Thank you so much for the informative video... This would be wonderful if more people would do this... I wish you had a Local TV show to teach others what you have done and how to do this.... I am so delighted to pass this on so others can see what you have created..

[@LitoGeorge]

This mans knowledge and experience. Unreal.

[@MrGrant7000]

Thanks for the update Geoff! Always love watching how your system developed over time.

[@CRHall-ud9mq]

Keeping the dream ALIVE!

[@mojavebohemian814]

I love watching these videos over and over again. I finally got the book set from Tagari publishing (US). Got some chickens and made a chicken tractor run for compost piles....so excited!

[@maccasnz3436]

Bro. So good to see you long term learning always improving.

[@co-note8982]

Always a pleasure to see you & your work update Brother Geoff

[@natashamuntemba9080]

Inspirational! Watching your video from Zambia. Hope to consult with you soon.

[@douwebeerda]

Thanks for sharying this on KZbin, makes it really easy to share with others!

[@peterking5372]

What a lovely little slice of paradise I have got so much from watching your ideas already and people like us by supporting our local communities and creating a livelihood then it helps us get all our lovely produce out to the people cheers 🍻

[@alexlomez]

Your Work is incredible and inspiring ! Thank You.

[@HFTL666]

Beautiful and outstanding thanks for the video Geoff!

[@lea-annemoss8327]

Just fabulous darling. Nice to see someone at one with nature. Truly out standing. Too you and everyone you work with 🌺🌺🌺

[@HFTL666]

One of the best permaculture videos' I've seen, love the food forest systems with the ice cream beans

[@cpnotill9264]

Inspiring. You are a gift to the world and Mother nature and I thank you so very much! Will be implementing some of your ideas presented here Geoff. 💖🌱😁

[@happyfoodcoop9820]

Super inspiring as we go into our first year on the farm

[@adventureairwaves]

Amazing ideas put into practice...especially the compost systems. I am going to have to scale some of these ideas down for our 1/4 acre space. Thank you for sharing!

[@3rdbasemultiverse]

Cold air moves down hill! Love it!

[@stephaniefritchley9022]

I am just in awe, lost for words. If only I could have my life again

[@aussiegrows8096]

Just got my self 10.5 acres of stunning land on the Victorian nsw border. Leaving the craziness to live like this.

[@lourdesreveles3067]

I am speechless, how much teaching! eternally grateful.

[@bludaizee24]

Wow, what a gorgeous system!

[@rickbacon9150]

Thank you, Geoff, for a beautiful update.

[@JB-yg3ew]

This is so awesome! Beautiful, so many thriving systems, a shining example of what the future could be!

[@dreamingofnorthernlightsone]

We can be it Now❣

[@monicasaxon2560]

So excited to get started on my permaculture journey. The more I read and watch and learn, the more I realize there is to know. Thank you Geoff Lawton for sharing and inspiring! I pray to have the knowledge and wisdom to achieve even a portion of what you have.

[@albandrejaj]

Really really appreciate the high definition and frames.

[@moritzn.g.7205]

Thank you for another great video. I can't believe that I didn't know about zaytuna when i was living in the northern rivers. I would have loved to experience this great design in person.

[@Gkuljian]

That is so beautiful. I have 100 acres of redwoods because I wanted the cool coastal weather. But now that I want a garden, I'm kind of out of luck. No fruit trees here.

[@noyselee]

Start growing your own

[@TubeThambiAuroville]

Thanks Geoff, come visit us one day !

[@Christianparco93]

Thankyou for this channel Sir... I was born abroad but i want to go back to my country and live a life like this... Verry inspiring

[@Mehakdeepsingh283]

Amazing....real setup ... Way to parmaculture....weeds,+crops+compost+pets+animals+watermanagement+all setup is good...thanks for video

[@jayruff1322]

Thanks so much Geoff, I remember when I first stumbled upon one of your's and Bill's video Introduction to Permaculture. It inspired me to get a property. I have 21 acres now and trying to get it in gear. Food forest is started and I have several Hugul beds. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. R.I.P Bill

[@dreamingofnorthernlightsone]

If we get to doing this, everyone reading this, we can be self reliant as Communities❣

[@funny-video-YouTube-channel]

*Very nice farm.* Such farms have a more balanced and profitable income. There is a lot of manual work, but the profit per acre is higher. One can also grow dandelion roots and chicory roots for roasted tea drinks, if nothing else is growing.

[@andreywagner5046]

Amazing and inspiring, thank you.

[@petitboulou5489]

Magnifique ! Et merci pour les sous titres en français !

[@michaelburtenshaw]

An excellent video! You now have another well-deserved thumbs-up and subscriber.

[@StayPrimal]

Incredibly inspiring. Life changing.

[@thegr8stm8]

Gr8 work Geoff… nice to see how your place is coming along.

[@dmmflys]

Thanks you for sharing! So many creative idea.

[@DavidDavida]

Third vid of urs I have watched.. Tears of Joy .. Dude!! .. Ur Work and contribution to our #EarthShipSolutions Is BRILLIANT and Priceless! Greetings From OntarioCanada.. we Share Ur Passsion and Dreams..

[@yLeprechaun]

Wow! I love your home. I don't really understand the new system you just put in; it will be exciting to watch it progress.

[@kalidb.2928]

Whe need more people like you Geoff. I love all your work.

[@lives2900]

Bless you! You are creating Eden!

[@basedViking]

how the heck have I not found this channel until now you are living my dream

[@pambennett8967]

Wonderful . Amazing

[@AdrianHepburn-vz9yr]

Geoff you bring good news into a crappy world. Great job all round from Brisbane, hooked on your videos from Jordan for some reason... 🍇

[@Ms.coconut928]

Thank you for the knowledge. I will apply it to my farm. 😀🙏

[@bazar_historias_peludas]

Amazing!! Thanks for the information

[@TreDogOfficial]

Fantastic application of permaculture theory!👍

[@fernhorn1982]

I learn a lot thank you so much master

[@feemcdonald4423]

Thanks Geoff you are an inspiration

[@peterchin7796]

you've inspired me, Geoff! Gonna make this as my future plan!

[@ozwalks8185]

Brother , I’ve always felt this is the human species meant to be work that u teach ✌🏼🙏🏼

[@threeyees]

This farm is an inspiration. Thank you for the video updates.

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Thank you I really enjoyed this.

[@oppenheim11238]

fantastic

[@whereisangie]

great video! id love to see more detailed videos about the aquaculture, lotus, and champas.

[@Magicallstore]

Nice farm project

[@kennethlatimer4607]

I'm new to your channel. Such knowlege!. Thank you for sharing.

[@veganchiefwarrior6444]

u get frost and your growing jackfruit, i like that kind of thing

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Perfect...Thanks Geoff🌎

[@jayanathdealwis2584]

Great farm tour. My questions is how can you separate worms from casting. With my 3 compartment vertical worn farm I have to keep top one without food for a month to remove all the worms.

[@SHANONisRegenerate]

The place is looking great Geoff! Talk about production. My take away from this video is a worm farm. I'd like to add that to my system

[@skeeterburke]

In the spring I'm going to buy some red wigglers 🦠🍂🦠to add to my compost pile. Baby steps! I don't even have my compost in a bin, it's just a pile on the ground. I cover it up with dirt and sprinkle cayenne pepper on top to keep the critters away

[@mortonvrose]

This is the just most amazing!!.thank u kindly.