So, the planning phase is underway here at Omkareshwar. Looking at this 10-acre site we decided to begin the forestation work in a corner of the land just east of the school. This way we will be able to assess the speed and scale of the work, before undertaking the whole area for tree planting.
A surveyor was called in to produce a detailed map with a contour line marked every 0.5m above sea level. The ashram had ordered in 350 seedlings of around 15 local species and they were already sat in the nursery when we arrived. But before we can think about planting them, the most important factor to consider is water. The land here is quite rocky, and although the soil is generally good quality, it is dry and eroded. Run-off is a problem with the ascent of the sloping land, so we must work to retain water and prevent further loss of top-soil. We planned two swales on the land along two contour lines.
Swales are permaculture water conservation features. They consist of a sloping trench followed by a smooth hump of loose soil. The surface run-off collects in the trench and moves into the hump travelling underground laterally, and not over the surface. This way, top-soil is protected and a high-productivity zone is created on the hump and below it. The surveyor accurately marked the location for two swales along two level contours for us. Now while work begins on digging the swales, we can think about getting some trees in the ground!
