These are pattern described by Bill Mollison. Note that these differ slightly from other principles described by Holmgren later on. Unfortunately in the article about permaculture, Wikipedia editors onyly mention the former.
Source: Permaculture: A Designer's Manual, Mollison, B.
every element is placed in relationship to another so that they assist each other.
http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/permaculture/permaculture-design-principles/1-relative-location/
each element performs many functions
each important function is supported by many elements
zone planning, sector planning, use of slope and naturally occuring energies, movements, behaviors
machine breaks, require energy & materials to build and maintain, emphasis on the use of biological ressources over fossil fuel ressources or machines.
energy recycling on site (both fuel and human)
http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/permaculture/permaculture-design-principles/6-energy-cycling/
space stacking + time stacking
Using and accelerating natural cycles to establish favourable environment
monoculture has many problems associated with it
Therefore,
Maximize diversity of people, places, species for a productive interactive system
http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/permaculture/permaculture-design-principles/9-diversity/
When two different environment meet there is maximal potential for productivity. Maximize interface between different people or place to increase diveristy and yields
http://deepgreenpermaculture.com/permaculture/permaculture-design-principles/10-edge-effect/
a problem can be used creativelly to find an elegant solution. If the problem is an excess of something, can it be used productively elsewhere ?
"our yields are determined by the the quality of thought and information we use, not the size and quality of our system. To use our resources in the most efficient and productive ways possible, we need to be able to access and process information to make the best decisions about how we design our system.
Information is a critical key resource. It comes in the form of knowledge and experience, ideas, and the learning of multitudes of people who have come before us.
It is only when we take the time to observe, contemplate, discuss, read and learn that we can truly think from a multidisciplinary perspective, and ultimately design systems which really save energy and provide significant yields."
normal elements or system produce output. When this outputs are not used and accumulate, they can become detrimental to the system and their potential is wasted Create links between elements so that the ouput of one is use as an input for another