As consulting geologists of Holzer Permaculture Solutions (holzerpermaculture.com) we implement the construction of ecological and sustainable water retention basins together with permaculture expert Josef Andreas Holzer (krameterhof.at) and experienced and soil-savvy excavator operators. Our most recent project in this area was the construction of a water landscape for a permaculture site in the mountains north of Nice (France).
Permaculture allows for a more mindful approach to the earth. By working with nature, areas can be effectively managed in the long term while conserving resources. Old and new techniques are combined, old crops and animal breeds are preserved and biodiversity is promoted. The sophisticated and often complex interrelationships of nature serve as a model for the establishment of permaculture. Not only are climatic conditions and soil taken into account, but attention is also paid to the water balance in an area. Thus, a permaculture plant can also be operated, for example, in Mediterranean areas such as the mountainous region of Provence with summers with little precipitation.
Implementation permaculture-water landscape in france
In the present project, four interconnected ponds were constructed as water reservoirs for the irrigation of agricultural land. The ponds, built from natural materials, are integrated into the existing terrain in such a way that, in addition to their actual use as water reservoirs, they can also be used as recreational oases by the building's residents and guests.
Water is a valuable commodity and at the same time an unpredictable force of nature. Storing water can therefore serve several purposes at once: It allows "stockpiling" for drier times, can capture and store surface water (non-seepage rainwater, Oberflächenwässer) and slope water, prevents increased removal of soil (degradation/erosion) by water, and can retain water in critical situations, thus also providing relief for streams and rivers during heavy rains.
Excavator at work
These so-called retention ponds (retention basins) can be combined with agricultural concepts. Surface water that can no longer seep away due to increasing soil compaction and soil sealing is retained in the ponds and used for and can be used at later times for the irrigation of agricultural land.
The dams for the ponds are thereby constructed from natural materials (sediments). Geological mapping and soil sampling are used to define valuable parameters such as water catchment areas or to investigate the soil properties and suitability of the sediments found on site. Thus, the ponds do not require artificial sealing materials (foils). In addition to the geological conditions of a region, local climatic conditions (precipitation) and topography are also considered during the design process in order to optimally fit the pond into the terrain in terms of size and shape.
The installation of an irrigation system in the pond facilitates the future planned irrigation of adjacent cultivated areas. In terms of optimal use, fish can also be introduced into the ponds depending on water quality and size and they serve as ecological niches for water and moisture loving animals and plants.
The sustainable retention ponds are suitable not only for agricultural use, but also for municipalities, companies or private individuals. Even in gardens or on communal areas, storing surface water makes sense and enables a more conscious use of water as a resource.
More info about our project partners & permaculture:
Image gallery - building a water landscape
My name is Thomas Unterweissacher. I am a geologist and head of GEO Unterweissacher GmbH. Here we present our projects and interesting facts.
