permaculture

Workshop Module 4: Healthy Soil 125

Field activity : Various methods of using legumes

Method : Try three different ways of using legumes

Tools : See exercise preparation below

References : PC Book MOD 4 – Healthy Soil;

PC Book MOD 5 – Seed Saving and Nurseries;

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

Objective : Participants try and learn three methods for using legumes

The 3 methods for using legumes that are covered in this activity are:

• Planting annual legumes as a green manure crop.


• Planting seeds or cuttings of perennial legumes on terraces or swales.


• Pruning established legumes for animal fodder, compost material, or mulch.

Preparation

• Annual legume seeds to be planted as a green manure crop.


• A garden bed or area ready for a green manure crop.


• Seeds or cuttings of perennial legumes to plant.


• If possible, swales or terraces that are ready for planting.


• Established legume trees that can be pruned back.


• Appropriate tools for each activity.

Note: The perennial legumes planting part of this activity will achieve better results (and

show integration techniques) if the legumes are planted in an area that has already been

shaped into swales or terraces which are on contour. If the terraces/swales are close

together, only plant every 2nd terrace/swale with the legumes. The terraces/swales not

planted with legumes can be planted with pineapples, lemon grass, comfrey, or other

plants. This with prevent problems arising from too much shade. If this is not possible,

plant legumes as a living fence around a garden.

Running this exercise

• The facilitator can give a brief overview of each activity including a short
  demonstration of each technique.


• Divide the participants into 3 workgroups and have each group choose and then
  carry out a “using legumes” activity.


• Together with the entire group visit each site and discuss together what has
  been created. Give tips and feedback on how some could be improved (if
  necessary).

For more information about these three techniques see PC Book MOD 4 – Healthy
Soil, PC Book MOD 5 – Seed Saving and Nurseries, PC Book MOD 8 - Forests,
Tree Crops, and Bamboo.

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