PDC Sustainable Land Use & Water Management 4

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a 'constructed wetland' in permaculture water management?

Accepted Answer

An engineered shallow-water system that uses plants and microbes to treat greywater or stormwater

Answer

Constructed wetlands are engineered systems using aquatic plants and microbial communities to biologically treat wastewater or stormwater before reuse or discharge.

Question 2

In a permaculture design, 'grey water' is best managed using which approach?

Accepted Answer

Irrigating fruit trees and gardens after basic filtration through a mulch basin

Answer

Greywater from sinks and showers can safely irrigate non-edible plant surfaces or fruit trees after passing through mulch basins that filter pathogens.

Question 3

Which earthwork technique is specifically designed to move water from wetter valleys toward drier ridges on a property?

Accepted Answer

Keyline plowing along off-contour lines

Answer

Keyline plowing runs slightly off-contour, angled to move water laterally from valley floors toward ridgelines over repeated irrigation cycles.

Question 4

What is the primary ecological function of 'nurse plants' in dryland permaculture land restoration?

Accepted Answer

They provide shade, wind protection, and improved microclimate for establishing more sensitive species

Answer

Nurse plants create a protective microclimate—reduced temperature extremes, wind, and evaporation—that enables more sensitive plants to establish in harsh dryland conditions.

Question 5

On a 5-acre property receiving 30 inches of annual rainfall, approximately how many gallons of rainwater fall on the property each year?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 4,075,000 gallons

Answer

5 acres × 43,560 sq ft/acre × 2.5 ft (30 inches) × 7.48 gal/cu ft ≈ 4,075,000 gallons annually.

(PDC) Permaculture Design Certification Practice Test

(PDC) Permaculture Design Certification Practice Test

PDC Sustainable Land Use & Water Management 4