guildfordcycads

Hello again, Permaculture community!

I am re-posting this vital solution to global thirst because the link in my previous post was incorrect (it pointed to other ongoing projects within Skoog Open Marine Technology). This specific report for our water infrastructure is too important to miss.

The Skoog Capillary Sweating Liana (SCSL) is an offshore infrastructure designed for industrial-scale freshwater production that follows the core principles of permaculture: working with nature, not against it. It functions as an “Industrial Tree,” utilizing the planet’s own natural water cycle and thermal gradients to create life-sustaining resources.

The Logic of the Industrial Tree The core of the system is a 1,000-meter vertical loop that accesses the constant 4°C cold of the deep ocean. By using this deep-sea thermal sink against the humid marine air, the system “sweats” freshwater through passive condensation. While solar heat is used as a performance booster to significantly increase efficiency, the process is continuous. Because the thermal gradient in the ocean is constant and the heat released during condensation creates a favorable internal climate, the system operates 24/7, regardless of cloud cover.

Engineering for a 50-Year Lifespan

To sustain this process, the system utilizes a closed-loop hydraulic circulation. Because the water columns on either side of the loop offset each other, the system is in perfect hydraulic balance. This ensures that no water mass is lifted against gravity; energy is only required to maintain circulation and overcome minimal pipe friction. This movement is primarily powered by the constant rhythm of ocean waves.

Automatic Discharge and Protection Self-Pressure Discharge: One of the system’s most elegant features is that produced water is delivered to land without electric pumps.

By heating the condensate from a few degrees up to 30°C using solar and latent heat, the water expands (0.43%), creating the necessary pressure for autonomous discharge into the land pipeline.

Active Protection (Skoog IAKKS): To ensure a 30–50 year lifespan, an integrated solar panel charges an onboard battery to power the “Skoog IAKKS” active ceramic coating. This open-source technology, inspired by high-durability brake pad materials, uses micro-vibrations to prevent biofouling for over 20 years.

Redundancy: The battery also powers a reserve pump that maintains the hydraulic balance even during a total calm at sea, preventing thermal stagnation.

Why I am sharing this here:

This is a fully documented, Open Source (Creative Commons BY 4.0) technical framework. It provides a permanent source of pure water for coastal deserts, regenerative farms, and island nations. It is completely autonomous, produces no toxic brine, and requires no costly filter changes.
The solution exists. It is mechanical, it is natural, and it is free for the world to implement. Please help spread the message—freshwater for everyone is no longer an unsolved problem.

Read the full technical report here (Corrected Link): https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18483339

Skoog Open Marine Technology (SOMT) www.skoogmarine.com – Innovating for a Thirst-Free World | Wave-powered | Zero-emission

We’re tackling some buckthorn this winter, in these temperatures it might sprout back, but I guess if its worth doing once its worth doing twice.

Hey everyone,

I’m a few years out of high school and not currently in university, but I’ve been deeply interested in permaculture for a few years now. I want to actually live this lifestyle, become part of the community, and eventually be able to educate others and maybe host my own community someday.

I’ve got a couple of Bill Mollison’s books that I’m working through, and I’m aware of options like:

-Formal PDC programs (looking at Oregon State’s permaculture design program)

-Travel opportunities abroad for hands-on work

-Programs like WWOOF and Workaway (though I know these can be hit or miss)

Here’s my main question: Where can I get the best hands-on permaculture experience for an extended period of time? I’m open to staying in the US or traveling internationally, and I have the flexibility right now to really commit to this.

I want to accumulate real, practical knowledge – not just theoretical understanding. I’m looking for something immersive where I can learn by doing, observe different systems, and connect with experienced practitioners.

For those of you who’ve gone down this path: What would you recommend? Any specific farms, communities, or programs that really deliver on quality education and experience? Should I prioritize hands-on work before formal certification, or vice versa?

Any guidance would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
I’ve just released a new episode of my podcast Intertwined, featuring Anneke Trux, co-lead of the GIZ projects ProSoil and Soil Matters. We talk about biochar and its use in international cooperation programs in Africa and Asia.

The episode focuses on biochar as a practical soil management approach: such as its application in challenging contexts, like in fragile and conflict-affected areas, or its relevance for women farmers.

I thought this might be of interest to people doing permaculture. I’d be curious to hear if you ever worked yourself with biochar.

Listen here: Spotify & Apple Podcasts