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Ecology
Structure
& Function
Diversity
Design
Environmental Impact
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When beginning the ecololgical design process, care should
be taken to make sure the inventory and analysis is complete. In addition
to basic information, it should include: soil tests that indicate original
parent material, physiography, slope aspect and inclination, and current
vegatition, seasonal prevailing winds, altitude and latitude.
Designing for structure
When designing for structure, plant material should be choosen based
on mature sizes. Verticle and horizontal layers need to be encorporated
so as to optimize solar utilization. Verticle layering should consider
sun and shade tolerance requirements. Horizontal layering should consider
whether a species is a stand alone, an edge species or an understory
species. Care as to the plants native cultural requirements must be
considered. If a plant is not suited for the niche it is placed within,
it will be out-competed and it will fail.
Designing for function
As the concept plan is being developed, consider the flows
of energy through the system: sun patterns, water, wind. The layout
of the space should utilize these natural site amenities to the advantage
of the site. Water - and anything carried in water - should be contained
onsite to prevent erosion and non-point source pollution by placing
plantings along property lines. Plantings should help utilize this water
and promote diversity.
Designing for diversity
In addition to the physical structure that is created, thought
must be given to the animal species that will be inhabiting it. Wildlife
helps form additional layers of structure and will increase diversity.
Certain animals have particular habitat needs which must be considered
when selecting species. Creating ecotones, edges, or transitional zones
between differing ecosystem types maximizes species diversity and is
essential for an ecological design.
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