Permaculture and the Three Epochs Curriculum: Earthworks

Posted on | August 27, 2010 | No Comments

IV. EARTHWORKING AND EARTH RESOURCES

Learning Objectives: In this unit you will learn how to survey the land prior to earth moving by measuring slope and area, operate a front loader and back hoe (if available on site), what it takes to shape dams, ponds, swales, terraces, foundations for houses, and other earth constructs. You will explore the differences of a diversity of soils and what it takes to shape them.

A. Planning Earthworks
B. Planting after Earthworks
C. Slope Measure
D. Levels and Leveling
1. Use a hose “bunyip” level
2. Use a plane table
3. Use an “A” frame
4. Use a transit
E. Types of Earthworks
F. Earth Constructs (does your current home contain some of these?)
1. Shelter for houses and fields
2. Plant sites for windbreaks
3. House or barn walls
4. Containments
5. Noise deflectors and absorbers
6. Tracks and plant sites in marshes
7. Wind and water deflection
8. Flood and tide control
9. Rail, canal and road grades
10. Earth walls and fences
11. Earth ramps and stands
12. Terraces
13. Swales/ Keyline system (Yeomans)

G. Moving the Earth
1. Earthmoving machine styles
a. Blade machines
b. Four way bucket
c. Buckets
d. Augers and drills
2. Explosives
3. Hydraulic jets
4. Finishers

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