Natuculture

‘making the unnatural natural’

Natuculture (pronounced ‘nāychew’ culture) is any human made system that mimics nature in human disturbed landscapes. The term is derived from ‘nature culture.’  Nature means natural world as it exists without civilization. The word culture had roots which meant: "the tilling of land" or “tend, guard, cultivate, till.” A rain garden is for example a natuculture. It is constructed in a human disturbed landscape. It mimics some natural functions of a forest which is to increase infiltration and filter water.  It does not need artificial fertilizer and has drought and flood resistant vegetations. Conservation agriculture is another example of natuculture. It is production of food in a human disturbed landscape which also mimics a forest since its three attributes are characteristics of most forests and they are minimum soil disturbance, continuous mulch, and diverse species. Furthermore, it promotes nutrient recycling through planting of deep rooted cover crops. Ripping invasive plants out of a park is natuculture as well it is assisting disturbed landscapes maintain natural functions.

Natuculture can be a transition term for permaculture. When several natuculture systems stably synergize, the site is transformed into a permaculture system. ‘Permaculture is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people — providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way. The philosophy behind permaculture is one of working with, rather than against nature; and of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless action (http://permaculture.org.au/what-is-permaculture/).’

It will be very difficult to set-up permaculture small business enterprises however it is feasible to set-up natuculture small business enterprises. Unless our system becomes a business enterprise its benefit to society is very limited.