John Arross

I also think it’s Dock...we call it curly dock around here. I eat it when it’s young, and chop and drop it when it’s older. People call it a weed, but I like it because it has an extensive taproot and stays green from spring until winter (and sometimes through the winter here).

Sounds like you're in some high desert area. I'm down in Tucson, AZ, and just wondering where you're based?

Joe,

You are correct about my biome. High desert. Casper, Wyoming. I have access to a section of the north Platte, which I just tapped into two days ago. There are some patches of sand in addition to the bentonite, but it's all a work in progress.

I'm looking for every way possible to improve organic matter content of my soil, while not burning a billion gallons of diesel in the process.
I've started planting woody perennials, vetch, oilseed radishes, and about anything I can find that MIGHT grow. Growing from seed so I can try a lot of things without as much expense and heartbreak of watching a nursery plant wither and die.

This year, I have my first hugelculture bed and I'm trying some things from sepp holder and mark Sheppards books.

I have a lot to learn. Anything you're willing to share is welcome as it's hard to find references for my specific climate.

Thanks for the reply.
John

I'm new to the "official" permaculture movement, but have been experimenting and practicing many of the concepts accidentally. A year or so ago, I decided to get more focused in my studies. Which is how I found this site. Which is most excellent! I appreciate reading about so many like-minded people and learning how they accomplish goals and solve problems.

I have a 35 acre patch of bentonite, with a few yucca, greasewood and cheatgrass plants on it. My test patch of rehab (1/8 acre) went well, so I've begun the full-scale rehab and will be posting pictures along the way. At this point, it's a hobby. In 10 years, I hope for it to be a living.
So, I'm one more cog in your wheel!
The plan:
-I have river water access and installed a rife river pump yesterday. http://www.riferam.com/pumps.html It's working well, so my biggest challenge is at least mitigated, if not solved.
-I'm planting every edible perennial I can find which has even a remote shot at growing in my zone 4 climate. Densely. From seed. Only the strong shall survive!
-since I have water now, I'm planting (Bareroot stock) some fast-growing willow-poplar hybrids to create a source of biomass (if you've met bentonite soil, you know why).

- no animals yet (do deer and antelope count?), but later. When I can feed them from my land.

I'm just here looking for guidance, so thanks for creating a venue for idea-exchange!