permaculture

228 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture Workshops

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Presentation : Swales with tree crops and forests

Method : Facilitator presentation and discussion

Tools : Images, black/white board, markers

References : PC Book MOD 8 - Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo

Objective    :  Participants    learn   about   swales  and their   benefits

Swales are trenches that are dug on a contour – equal level (above sea level)

along a slope. Soil and rocks dug from the trenches can be placed below the

trenches to form long mounds. Swales are similar to terraces but are more

efficient in catching and storing water, soil, and mulch.

The facilitator can discuss these ideas with the participants, especially about how the

swales can help improve community forests. During this discussion, use images and

examples to help explain specific types of swales and techniques for using them with tree

crops and natural forests.

There are several types of swales, including:

• Trench swales.


• Ploughed contour lines.


• Rock swales.


• A small wall that is built from rocks, branches, or other materials.

All types of swales:

• Create a level line from one end to the other.


• Are usually dug on a hillside, one below the next.

Swales can improve community forests and land in many ways because they:

• Improve tree growth and increase production.


• Hold and store the water in the ground.


• Hold and store soil and mulch.


• Reduce risks of erosion and landslides.

How swales can work with tree crops:

• Planting legumes.


• Alley crops.


• Integration with animals.


• Reforestation (used for natural forests).

See PC Book MOD 8 - Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo for detailed information

about designing, making, and using swales.