Ryan
Really good questions. It was interesting to see all the different ways people are experimenting with permaculture principles.
Over the years I have drifted toward more use of animals. I try to let them do the work.
Sort of artificial migrant harvestors. I am "chopping and dropping" less and letting them do the work.
I have learned to segregate my fruit trees and bushes into sections that work well for specific animals.
Goats and sheep in the areas where thick trunks prevail.
Chickens where bush fruits prevail.
Hogs in the annual garden.
The only drawback is that animals tie you down more, unless you bring them in from your neighbors.
I definately intermix for synergy; plants that attract beneficials, nitrogen setting legumes, fruit trees and vines, nuts, etc.
But I have learned it is easier if I segregate by animal appropriate groups.
Better to have patches close to each other so the insects can cross easily.
Nature does things in patches too.
Perhaps ideally, I will find a way to rotate the patches as nature does.
I am not a big fan of replanting covers. I plant perrenials and let them evolve.
Some will self replant.
The animals do the harvesting.
Dandelion, Stinging Nettle, Plantain, Chicory, Sow Thistle, Burdock are planted for root penetration and animal nutrition.
Honey Locust, Willow, Poplar, Mulberry, Mimosa, and Lespedeza I try to grow as bushes for forage feeding and deep root penetration.
I am breaking permaculture rules by growing hybrids and grafting.
These will never be self-sustaining.
I make up for it by growing only the most disease resistant varieties.
Definately less input to control disease.
