Stacking Functions & Connections — FarmPal

Every element in a permaculture design should serve multiple functions, and every function should be supported by multiple elements. This principle creates resilient, efficient systems where nothing is wasted.

Principles

  • Each element performs multiple functions (a pond: water storage, fire protection, aquaculture, irrigation, wildlife habitat, recreation, microclimate)
  • Each important function is supported by multiple elements (water: well + rainwater + pond + spring)
  • Outputs of one element become inputs for another (chicken manure → compost → garden → kitchen scraps → chickens)
  • Relative placement creates beneficial relationships between elements
  • Biological resources are preferred over fossil fuel resources

Action steps

  1. Audit existing elements

    List every element on your property. For each, list ALL functions it currently serves and ALL functions it COULD serve with better placement or management.

  2. Identify waste streams

    Every waste is an unused output. Kitchen scraps, greywater, manure, prunings, heat, shade all are resources for another element.

  3. Connect outputs to inputs

    Draw a web diagram: what does each element produce? What does each element need? Connect outputs to inputs to close loops.

  4. Redesign for adjacency

    Move elements that exchange energy/materials closer together. Greenhouse against south wall of house (shared heat). Chickens near compost and garden.

Benefits

  • Dramatically reduces waste
  • Increases resilience through redundancy
  • Reduces purchased inputs
  • Creates elegant, efficient systems
  • Saves time and labor

Further reading

  • Permaculture: Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability David Holmgren
  • The Permaculture City Toby Hemenway