4 ms·

I just asked for some pro-permaculture sources in this comment [1], and would appreciate it if you could also point me in the direction of some further reading

by sjy 6y ago

I just asked for some pro-permaculture sources in this comment [1], and would appreciate it if you could also point me in the direction of some further reading on the claim that permaculture is a pipe dream. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24648887 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24648887

adrianN 6y ago
Organic agriculture has much lower yields than conventional agriculture for most crops [1]. I believe permaculture is more restrictive than US-Organic. It would take some big changes in our diet to absorb such a loss in productivity. [1] https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/02/16/usda-data-confirm-organic-yields-dramatically-lower-conventional-farming/ https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/02/16/usda-data-conf...
- maxerickson 6y ago
  There's also the little pickle that manure from an industrial feedlot is considered an organic fertilizer. (I'm not suggesting it's directly a problem, the issue is that it's real hard to figure out the nitrogen budget society ends up with if all synthetic fertilizers go away)
  - hosh 6y ago
    Have you looked at this? https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/cubas-urban-farming-revolution-how-to-create-self-sufficient-cities/8660204.article https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/cubas-urban-farm... During the economic sanctions, Cuba was forced to stop using synethetic fertilizers, pesticides, and even tractors. They could not import enough to be able use those at scale. The people there had to adapt and work out how to live.
roel_v 6y ago
So I typed a 10-paragraph post here arguing my case but ended up deciding there was too much identifying and non-public information in it for me to be comfortable posting it here. If you post an email address or add one to your profile, I can send it to you privately.

4 ms·

I just asked for some pro-permaculture sources in this comment [1], and would appreciate it if you could also point me in the direction of some further reading

by sjy 6y ago

adrianN 6y ago
Organic agriculture has much lower yields than conventional agriculture for most crops [1]. I believe permaculture is more restrictive than US-Organic. It would take some big changes in our diet to absorb such a loss in productivity. [1] https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/02/16/usda-data-confirm-organic-yields-dramatically-lower-conventional-farming/ https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/02/16/usda-data-conf...
- maxerickson 6y ago
  There's also the little pickle that manure from an industrial feedlot is considered an organic fertilizer. (I'm not suggesting it's directly a problem, the issue is that it's real hard to figure out the nitrogen budget society ends up with if all synthetic fertilizers go away)
  - hosh 6y ago
    Have you looked at this? https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/cubas-urban-farming-revolution-how-to-create-self-sufficient-cities/8660204.article https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/cubas-urban-farm... During the economic sanctions, Cuba was forced to stop using synethetic fertilizers, pesticides, and even tractors. They could not import enough to be able use those at scale. The people there had to adapt and work out how to live.
roel_v 6y ago
So I typed a 10-paragraph post here arguing my case but ended up deciding there was too much identifying and non-public information in it for me to be comfortable posting it here. If you post an email address or add one to your profile, I can send it to you privately.