Swales: Earthworks for Conservation and Storage [PDC Preview]

This video is pulled from Geoff’s Online Permaculture Design Course. To learn more about Permaculture, watch the free 4-Part Permaculture Masterclass Series, here: or if you’re ready to dig in deeper, join Geoff’s Online Permaculture Design Course: Brief Overview Swales are long, level excavations used to loosen soil and absorb water. They can be many forms and widths, including small ridges in the garden, rock piles on slopes, or hollows in flat lands. The main function is to interrupt the sheet flow of water, let it infiltrate the soil, and ultimately recharge the groundwater. Swales are a tree growing system, and trees are vital to their success. Generally, trees are planted on the excavated mound on the lower side of the swale (or possibly inside the swale in deserts), and leguminous trees are planted on the back slope to help with shade and stability. T