PDC Design & Implementation Strategies 5

Question 1

Which tool is most commonly used in permaculture to determine exact contour lines for water harvesting earthworks?

Accepted Answer

A-frame level or bunyip (water level)

Answer

An A-frame level or bunyip uses gravity and water to accurately trace contour lines on the ground without requiring expensive surveying equipment.

Question 2

What distinguishes a 'keyline design' from a standard swale system?

Accepted Answer

Keyline design uses off-contour plowing to move water from valleys toward ridges

Answer

Keyline design, developed by P.A. Yeomans, uses off-contour plow lines angled to move water laterally from valleys toward drier ridgelines, distributing moisture across the landscape.

Question 3

A permaculture designer wants to reduce labor inputs over time. Which design strategy best achieves this goal?

Accepted Answer

Designing self-maintaining systems through diversity, mulching, and perennials

Answer

Self-maintaining systems rely on perennial plants, deep mulch, and biodiversity to suppress weeds, build soil, and retain moisture with minimal ongoing human intervention.

Question 4

In the design process, why is it important to complete sector analysis BEFORE finalizing zone placement?

Accepted Answer

External energies like wind, sun, and fire risk affect where zones and elements can safely be placed

Answer

Sector analysis identifies where damaging or beneficial external energies enter the site, which directly determines safe and optimal placement of zones and sensitive elements.

Question 5

Which of the following best exemplifies the permaculture principle 'use and value diversity'?

Accepted Answer

Selecting 15 different species with varied functions, harvest times, and resilience traits

Answer

Diversity across species, functions, and resilience traits ensures that if one element fails, others continue to perform, reducing system-wide vulnerability.

(PDC) Permaculture Design Certification Practice Test

(PDC) Permaculture Design Certification Practice Test

PDC Design & Implementation Strategies 5