Keyline design

Keyline design is a landscape design system that was developed by P. A. Yeomans in Australia in the 1940s. It is a form of permaculture that focuses on maximizing the beneficial use of water resources in the landscape. The keyline design system integrates principles of agriculture, hydrology, and land management to create sustainable and productive environments.

Principles of Keyline Design

Keyline design is based on several core principles:

• **Contour Plowing**: This involves plowing along the natural contours of the land to slow water runoff and increase water infiltration into the soil.
• **Keyline Pattern Cultivation**: This technique involves creating a pattern of cultivation that follows the keyline, a contour line that runs through the most elevated point of a valley. This helps to distribute water more evenly across the landscape.
• **Water Storage**: The design includes the construction of dams, ponds, and swales to capture and store water for use during dry periods.
• **Soil Improvement**: Keyline design emphasizes the importance of improving soil structure and fertility through the use of organic matter and appropriate land management practices.

Keyline Scale of Permanence

The Keyline Scale of Permanence is a framework used to prioritize the various elements of land development. It includes the following factors, listed in order of their permanence:

1. Climate 2. Landform 3. Water supply 4. Roads 5. Trees 6. Buildings 7. Subdivision 8. Soil

Applications

Keyline design has been applied in various contexts, including:

• Agriculture: Enhancing water management and soil fertility on farms.
• Urban planning: Integrating sustainable water management practices into urban landscapes.
• Environmental restoration: Rehabilitating degraded landscapes and improving ecosystem health.

Benefits

The benefits of keyline design include:

• Improved water retention and reduced erosion.
• Enhanced soil fertility and structure.
• Increased agricultural productivity.
• Greater resilience to drought and extreme weather events.

Criticisms

While keyline design has many proponents, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that the system can be complex and difficult to implement without proper training and resources. Additionally, the initial costs of constructing water storage systems and other infrastructure can be high.

See also

• Permaculture
• Sustainable agriculture
• Water management
• Soil conservation