Permaculture Nutrient Density
Vitamin and Mineral Levels
Studies have shown that food grown in biologically rich soils (like those in permaculture) can have 10-30% higher levels of vitamins and minerals than conventionally grown counterparts.
Magnesium, Zinc, and Calcium are a few of the minerals plants in the soil need to be pest and disease resilient while producing foods with higher density of these minerals.
Nutrient Density is measured in PPM (Parts per Million)
Parts per million is the measurement of how many parts (nutrients in this case) exist in a million part sample.
1PPM = 1 part in 1 million
10PPM = 10 parts in 1 million
The higher the PPM, the higher the density of that nutrient.
Permaculture and Monoculture Soil Nutrient Density (PPM)
Zinc (Zn)
Permaculture Soil: Zinc levels in permaculture systems can range from 2 to 5 ppm (parts per million), depending on the use of compost, manure, and natural amendments that add zinc to the soil.
Monoculture Soil: Zinc levels in monoculture systems, particularly conventional row crops, may be closer to 1 to 3 ppm due to minimal organic inputs and frequent tilling, which can disrupt zinc availability and cause nutrient leaching.
Magnesium (Mg)
Permaculture Soil: Magnesium levels in permaculture systems are often around 150 to 250 ppm. The use of compost and cover crops, such as legumes and deep-rooted plants, helps improve magnesium availability by promoting microbial activity that facilitates nutrient cycling.
Monoculture Soil: In monoculture, magnesium levels are typically around 80 to 150 ppm, often lower due to soil depletion and erosion caused by repetitive single-crop planting without replenishing organic matter.
Calcium (Ca)
Permaculture Soil: Calcium levels in permaculture systems generally range from 1,500 to 3,000 ppm, depending on local soil conditions and the use of organic materials like bone meal, limestone, and compost.
Monoculture Soil: In monoculture systems, calcium levels can be lower, around 800 to 2,000 ppm. Continuous cropping without replenishing calcium can lead to acidification and calcium leaching, particularly if fertilizers are used excessively.
Micronutrients in Soil = Micronutrients in Plants
The availability of these micronutrients in the soil directly influences the nutrient content of the crops grown in it. Well-balanced soils with adequate levels of zinc, magnesium, and calcium promote the synthesis of key nutrients in plants, leading to food that is richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Plant Health and Quality: Healthy plants that receive optimal nutrition tend to be more resilient, better able to resist pests and diseases, and have higher nutrient concentrations. Conversely, stressed plants due to nutrient deficiencies often produce crops that are lower in both yield and nutrient density.
Nutrient Cycling in Permaculture: Permaculture systems often use practices like composting, mulching, and crop rotation to maintain and enhance the micronutrient content of the soil. These techniques ensure a steady supply of essential micronutrients to plants, increasing the nutrient density of the food they produce.
In Summary
Zinc, Magnesium, and Calcium are essential for plant growth and directly influence the nutrient density of crops. Adequate levels of these micronutrients ensure plants produce higher-quality, more nutritious food, supporting both plant health and human well-being.
Sustainable farming practices, including those found in permaculture, help maintain a balance of these nutrients in the soil, leading to better nutrient density in the food produced.
Our next blog post
“Monoculture Soil Health Costs”