Permaculture Keyline Water Systems: Don Tipping @ Seven Seeds Farm

Don Tipping discusses his permaculture farm on Sugarloaf Mountain, focusing on sustainable water management. The farm uses a series of ponds, swales, and keyline systems to conserve water and improve irrigation efficiency. These methods not only support the farm's diverse agriculture and aquaculture but also benefit the surrounding community by stabilizing stream flows and enhancing well productivity. The farm's approach mimics natural processes, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience against drought.

What is the primary focus of the Siskiyou Seeds company?

• Selling seeds worldwide

• Focusing on the Northwest bio region

• Specializing in ornamental plants

• Providing seeds for tropical climates

How is water pumped to the highest storage pond on the farm?

• Using a windmill

• With a solar-powered pump

• By manual labor

• Through an electric pump

What is the main advantage of the keyline system in irrigation?

• It increases evaporation

• It requires constant manual operation

• It reduces soil porosity

• It minimizes water evaporation

What role do trees play in the keyline system?

• They block water flow

• They increase soil porosity

• They require constant irrigation

• They are purely decorative

How has the water management system affected the stream flow downstream?

• It has decreased the stream flow

• It has made the stream flow more irregular

• It has stabilized and increased the stream flow

• It has had no impact on the stream flow

What feedback have the downstream neighbors provided about the water management system?

• Their well productivity has increased

• They have experienced more flooding

• They have noticed no changes

• Their wells have dried up

What is the long-term vision for the permaculture system?

• To require constant human intervention

• To be self-sustaining and resilient

• To focus solely on aquaculture

• To expand into urban areas